Aryna Sabalenka v Paula Badosa; Madison Keys v Iga Świątek results, scores, schedule, draw, how to watch

Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka is one win from achieving Australian Open history after breezing past best friend Paula Badosa to reach another final.

After falling 2-0 behind, Sabalenka bludgeoned her way to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Badosa on the back of an extraordinary 32 winners.

The world No.1 is bidding to win a third consecutive women’s singles title in Melbourne, which would be the first time anyone has achieved that feat since Martina Hingis from 1997-99.
The only other women to win three straight Australian Open women’s singles titles are Margaret Court (1969–1971), Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (1974–1976), Steffi Graf (1988–1990) and Monica Seles (1991–1993).

“I have goosebumps [thinking about it]. I’m so proud of myself. I’m proud of my team – they’re able to put myself in such a situation,” Sabalenka said.

“It’s a privilege. If I’m able to put my name into history, it will mean a lot. It will mean the world to me. It’s been a dream. I mean, I couldn’t even dream about that, to be honest.

“First, I was dreaming to win at least one grand slam. Now, I have this opportunity. It’s incredible. I’m going to go out and leave everything I have, in the final.”

Sabalenka is in a back and forth with Polish superstar Iga Swiatek for the No.1 ranking, but moves back in front in the live rankings with this victory.

The 26-year-old will need to win the title to retain top spot if Swiatek wins the second semi-final over American Madison Keys, who she leads 4-1 head-to-head.

Sabalenka was a runaway train once she forced her way back on top, and the end was nigh once Badosa sent down consecutive double faults to hand over the break in the third game of the second set.

Another Badosa double fault left her break point down again two games later, and Sabalenka throttled a crosscourt forehand winner to storm 4-1 up.

It was a tough night for the Spaniard, who also took a tumble early in the second set and fell face first into the court before offering a thumbs up to Sabalenka.

Their strong friendship was evidenced when she shared a laugh in the locker room 15 minutes after the match.

“I think after a couple of battles against each other, we spoke and we decided to put it aside,” Sabalenka said.

“She wants it badly. We both want it badly. It’s our dream. Here, we [are] opponents. No matter [what happens] on the court, we’ll be friends after our matches.

“It’s tough to do [but] we agreed on that. I think we’re doing it pretty well. I hope she’s still my friend. I mean, I’m sure she [will] hate me for the next hour, or day or two. I can handle that.

“After that, I think we’re back to being friends. Back to going out together, shopping.”