Aryna Sabalenka vows to "pay for whatever" Paula Badosa wants after Australian Open semifinal win

Aryna Sabalenka is a win away from becoming the first woman this century to three-peat at the Australian Open.

In the latest ‘Sabadosa’ installment, the two-time defending champion pulled away from best friend Paula Badosa, 6-4, 6-2, to claim Thursday evening’s first semifinal on Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka delivered 32 winners to 21 unforced errors throughout the 86-minute victory.

“We both wanted it badly. It’s our dream. Here, we’re just opponents. No matter what happens on the court, we gonna be friends after our matches. It’s tough to do but we agreed on that,” Sabalenka told Jelena Dokic afterwards.

“I hope she’s still my friend. I’m sure she hates me for the next I don’t know, hour, day or two.

“I promise Paula we go shopping and pay for whatever she wants.”

Should Iga Swiatek come through against Madison Keys, the WTA’s No. 1 ranking will be decided by whomever wins Saturday’s championship match. If Keys wins, Sabalenka will maintain the top spot she's held since October 21, 2024.

Badosa matched Sabalenka’s power from the start, saving a break point with a sublime serve out wide. The former world No. 2 was the cleaner hitter in the early goings of her maiden major semifinal, but four missed chances to consolidate an immediate break despite leading 40-0 in her second service game proved costly.

“Somehow, I was able to turn around the game. That was a crucial game, I would say,” said Sabalenka.

It was a variety of shot-making that eventually rewarded Sabalenka with her first lead of the night—converting a fourth break chance at 2-2 when her backhand slice drew a late forehand from Badosa. Conditions then warmed up, as the already half-shut roof was closed completely with rain drops increasing.

That played into Sabalenka’s favor, whose level continued to build. The Spaniard stayed with her to keep the deficit to one break, before the top seed closed out a set where she impressively showed early forehand timing issues were well behind her.

Back-to-back double faults from the 11th seed handed Sabalenka a 2-1 advantage in set two. While she maintained her focus in the rallies, Badosa’s foot coming off the gas ever so slightly was enough for this battle to shift completely in the Belarusian’s favor.

Sabalenka broke again with a forehand winner that left her opponent dejected and soon made it six consecutive victories in the pair’s series with a love hold to cap the contest.

Martina Hingis was the last WTA player to clinch three straight titles here in 1999.