Thu Jan 23 18:56:28 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Defeats Badosa, Offers Shopping Spree as Apology
**Melbourne, Australia** – Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her third consecutive Australian Open final after defeating her friend Paula Badosa in a straight-sets victory (6-4, 6-2) on Thursday. Despite the win, Sabalenka expressed concern about their friendship, offering Badosa a shopping spree as a gesture of apology.
Sabalenka’s victory ended Badosa’s impressive run at the tournament. Badosa, ranked outside the top 100 just a year ago after battling injuries, staged a remarkable comeback, even defeating Coco Gauff before reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal.
“I hope she’s still my friend,” Sabalenka said in her post-match interview. “I’m sure she hates me for the next hours and days. But I promise Paula we’ll go shopping, and I’ll pay for whatever she wants… but I’ll put a limit for her!”
Badosa responded playfully to the offer in her own press conference. “It’s going to be something really expensive,” she said, referencing Sabalenka’s increased prize money after reaching the final. “I will think about it.”
Sabalenka will now face Madison Keys in the final after Keys’ stunning upset of world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the other semifinal. Sabalenka plans to celebrate her victory with some relaxation before the final, perhaps including some retail therapy with Badosa, depending on whether her friend accepts her generous offer.
First Piper 