Sabalenka Reaches Third Consecutive Australian Open Final

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to her third successive Australian Open final, defeating Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2. Sabalenka, the world number one, will face either Iga Swiatek or Madison Keys in Saturday's final.

The Belarusian has won 20 consecutive matches at the Australian Open and is on track to achieve a rare three-peat, last accomplished by Martina Hingis in 1999.

Sabalenka's victory over Badosa, her close friend, was a hard-fought one. Despite their friendship, Sabalenka was all business on the court, showcasing her powerful baseline game.

Badosa, who has made a remarkable comeback from a back injury, will return to the top 10 for the first time since October 2022. Sabalenka's win keeps her on track to retain her world number one ranking.