Aryna Sabalenka will not let her friendship with Paula Badosa affect her quest to win a third successive Australian Open title when the best friends clash in the semi-finals, the defending champion said on Tuesday.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian Open final and stay on track for a 26-year first.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in straight sets during their 2025 Australian Open semifinal match. Despite their close friendship off the court, Badosa playfully demanded a "big gift" from Sabalenka before extending her forgiveness.

Aryna Sabalenka has reached her third consecutive Australian Open final by defeating Paula Badosa in straight sets. Sabalenka, aiming for a third consecutive title, maintained her world number one ranking with the victory.

Aryna Sabalenka battled through "unbelievable" windy conditions Tuesday to reach the Melbourne semi-finals and keep her dream of an Australian Open hat-trick alive. "The conditions were unbelievable.

In the Australian Open final, Aryana Sabalenka will attempt to emulate Martina Hingis’ three consecutive title wins from 1997 to 1999.