Thu Jan 23 13:57:05 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Cruises into Australian Open Final, Eyes Historic Three-peat

**MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)** — Aryna Sabalenka is one victory away from etching her name in Australian Open history. The two-time defending champion powered past her close friend Paula Badosa, 6-4, 6-2, on Thursday, securing a spot in her fifth consecutive major hard-court final. This win propels Sabalenka towards a potential three-peat, a feat unmatched in women’s singles at the Australian Open this century.

The match, played under a closed roof due to rain, saw Sabalenka unleash 32 winners against 21 unforced errors. Despite a strong start from Badosa, who initially matched Sabalenka’s power, missed opportunities to consolidate an early break proved crucial. Sabalenka capitalized on these lapses, securing a pivotal break at 2-2 and ultimately taking the first set.

The second set saw Badosa’s intensity wane slightly, allowing Sabalenka to dominate. Back-to-back double faults from Badosa gifted Sabalenka a 2-1 lead, and the Belarusian swiftly closed out the match, extending her winning streak in their head-to-head series to six.

“We both wanted it badly,” Sabalenka said post-match, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the competition against her friend. “It’s tough, but we agreed we’d be friends after the match. I hope she’s still my friend!” she added with a laugh, promising Badosa a shopping spree.

Badosa’s impressive run is projected to elevate her back into the Top 10. Meanwhile, the upcoming final will determine the WTA’s No. 1 ranking. If Iga Swiatek defeats Madison Keys in the other semifinal, the winner of Saturday’s final will claim the top spot. A Keys victory, however, would see Sabalenka retain her No.1 ranking. Should Sabalenka win, she would become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.

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