Thu Jan 23 15:37:39 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Cruises into Third Consecutive Australian Open Final
**Melbourne, Australia** – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the Australian Open 2025, defeating 11th seed Paula Badosa in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) to reach her third consecutive final. The victory extends Sabalenka’s winning streak at Melbourne Park to an impressive 20 matches and her undefeated season to 11.
The 26-year-old Belarusian made history, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to reach three consecutive Australian Open finals and the youngest since Martina Hingis. She now aims to become the first woman since Hingis to win three consecutive titles at the tournament.
Despite Badosa’s strong start, holding a commanding 2-0, 40-0 lead, Sabalenka quickly regained control, breaking the Spaniard’s serve in a crucial eight-minute game. Sabalenka then went on a four-game winning streak, ultimately securing victory in just under an hour and a half. Her performance was marked by 26 winners and only 18 unforced errors, contrasting sharply with Badosa’s eight winners and 14 unforced errors.
Badosa, however, leaves Melbourne with her head held high, reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal and securing a top-10 win over Coco Gauff en route. This result is expected to propel her back into the top 10 of the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka will face either world No. 2 Iga Swiatek or No. 14 Madison Keys in the final. The match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable tournament for the Belarusian powerhouse.
First Piper 