Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at the Australian Open, advancing to the final with a commanding 6-4 6-2 victory over her best friend Paula Badosa. The semifinal clash marked Badosa’s first appearance at this stage of a Grand Slam, but Sabalenka’s experience and composure proved decisive.
Badosa came out strong, breaking Sabalenka early to take a 2-0 lead and holding three game points for a 3-0 advantage. However, the world No.1 recovered from the shaky start, breaking back to shift the momentum and then winning four consecutive games to take control of the opening set. In the second set, Sabalenka dominated from the outset, racing to a 5-1 lead and maintaining her grip on the match without facing a single break point.
Sabalenka’s victory extends her undefeated start to the 2025 season to 11 matches and marks her 20th consecutive win at the Australian Open. The Belarusian now aims to become the first woman to win three consecutive Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis achieved the feat from 1997 to 1999.
Awaiting her in the final is No.14 Madison Keys, who edged five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek 5-7 6-1 7-6(8).
Love this (see link below)
https://x.com/BastienFachan/status/1882379536933024211
Nice to see! Class, respect, sportsmanship!