Aryna Sabalenka says what she will ‘have to’ do if she is to beat Paula Badosa in Australian Open semi-final
World number one Aryna Sabalenka survived a major scare to secure her spot in the Australian Open semifinals, where she will face Paula Badosa in a highly anticipated matchup. Sabalenka fought back after being down a break in the third set against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ultimately winning 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
The Belarusian, who dropped her first set of the tournament in this match, is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis, 26 years ago, to claim three consecutive Australian Open titles. The victory sets up her 10th career Grand Slam semifinal, where she will meet good friend and former world number two Paula Badosa, who defeated Coco Gauff in straight sets.
Ahead of the showdown with Badosa, Sabalenka shared her thoughts on the match and her strategy for success.
Aryna Sabalenka ‘Excited’ for Paula Badosa Clash
Sabalenka and Badosa have met seven times, with Sabalenka winning five of those encounters. The three-time Grand Slam champion is currently on a five-match winning streak against the Spaniard, but she acknowledged that Badosa is “back to her best” after her upset win over Gauff.
Speaking in her post-match press conference, Sabalenka said: “She’s a great player, and she’s been through a lot. Now she’s back playing her best tennis. I’m really happy to see that. I’ve watched her matches here, and she’s playing great.
“I just need to focus on myself. I have to stay aggressive and put her under a lot of pressure. I’m really excited to face her in the semis. It’s going to be a great battle, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The Close Bond Between Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa
Sabalenka and Badosa have developed a close friendship over the past few years, with fans affectionately dubbing them “Sabadosa.” In fact, Sabalenka has referred to Badosa as her “soulmate,” emphasizing the strength of their bond.
In a press conference last April in Stuttgart, Sabalenka said: “I love Paula very much. We’ve been friends for three or four years now. She’s an incredible person. It’s important to have friends on the tour, and when you find someone you feel is your soulmate, it’s the best thing that can happen.”
Badosa, named the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2024 after recovering from a stress fracture in her spine, will be looking to end Sabalenka’s winning streak at the Australian Open in their semifinal clash on Thursday.
