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Tennis sensation and world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa by 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the 2025 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena of Melbourne Park on January 23. The defending champion once again storms into the final thriller and is set to face the winner between Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys. She is once again on the verge of shattering the records in tennis history. Sabalenka, having won the Melbourne title in 2023 and 2024, will be looking to win her third straight title to become the first-ever woman to do so since 1997.
Coming to the match dynamics, Sabalenka had a decent start to the game and managed to win the opening set comfortably after showcasing stellar groundstrokes with forehand and backhand slice shots in the thriller. The Belarusian continued her love affair on the hardcourts once again and showcased her beast form in the second set to mark the straight sets win over the Spaniard.
Also Read: WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka's epic "Have you googled yourself" reply breaks the internet
Aryna Sabalenka funny answers after beating Paula Badosa to reach Australian Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka after beating Paula Badosa to reach Australian Open Final:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2025
“I hope she’s still my friend… I promise Paula we will go shopping and I’ll pay for whatever you want” 😂😂😂
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After the stunning win, Sabalenka opened up about her happiness and hilariously answered some questions about her close friend Paula Badosa. The 26-year-old tennis star promises Badosa to take her shopping and to pay her bill after she defeated her to storm into another final of the marquee event.
"Somehow I was able to turn around the game in that crucial game. That was a super tough match against the friend; super happy for her to see her on her highest level. I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next day or two. I’m OK with that; I can handle that. And after that, I think we’re back to being friends, back to go out together shopping. I promise, Paula, we go shopping, and I pay for whatever she wants,” Aryna Sabalenka said after beating Paula Badosa.
In addition to this, just after the conclusion of the semi-finals, Badosa and Sabalenka were seen sharing a lovely bond in the gym area, filled with emotions and laughter.
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa after their match at Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2025
Less than 20 minutes after playing a Grand Slam semifinal… they’re back to chatting & laughing like normal.
Love this friendship so much. 🥹
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