Fri Jan 24 02:00:28 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Defeats Badosa, Books Spot in Australian Open Final, Promises Shopping Spree

**Melbourne, Australia** – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the Australian Open 2025 final on Thursday, defeating her close friend Paula Badosa in straight sets. This victory marks Sabalenka’s third consecutive Australian Open final appearance and extends her unbeaten streak this season to 20 consecutive wins in Melbourne.

Despite the competitive match, the friendship between Sabalenka and Badosa remained strong. Sabalenka praised Badosa’s performance and promised a shopping trip to make amends, stating, “I would love to go shopping together soon, and I promise to pay for anything she wants.” The pair have agreed to put their on-court rivalry aside, maintaining their off-court friendship.

Sabalenka’s win sets her up for a potential hat-trick of Australian Open titles, putting her in the company of tennis legends like Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, and Steffi Graf. The 26-year-old expressed the immense honor of such a possibility, stating, “It’s a privilege. If I’m able to put my name into history, it will mean the world to me.”

Sabalenka will now face the winner of Friday’s semi-final match between Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys in the final on Saturday, January 25th.

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