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.

After securing a dominant win in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka promised her good friend Paula Badosa a 'shopping date' on Thursday, January 23. Sabalenka defeated Badosa in straight sets.

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

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is just one win away from a hat-trick of Australian Open titles after seeing off best friend Paula Badosa to reach a third straight final.

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.

The 27-year-old Spaniard will face two-time defending champion and best friend Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final. Read more at straitstimes.com.

No.3 seed Coco Gauff had to come from behind to beat Belinda Bencic and reach the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday.

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

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka knocks out teenager Mirra Andreeva on Rod Laver Arena; Coco Gauff battles back to set up showdown with Spaniard Paula Badosa; watch all the action from the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,

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. She has now won 20 straight matches at the Australian Open to close in on a third consecutive crown -- something that hasn't happened this century.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday ... Steffi Graf and Monica Seles. Court was in the stadium watching. "Honestly, I don't know.

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