World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at Melbourne Park, cruising past Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in Thursday’s semi-final to secure her spot in the Australian Open final for the third consecutive year. With this commanding performance, Sabalenka now sets her sights on an elusive three-peat at the year’s first Grand Slam.
Sabalenka’s unstoppable form
Sabalenka displayed near-flawless tennis, exploiting an off day from Badosa, who appeared to run out of steam after her impressive win over Coco Gauff in the previous round. The Belarusian unleashed 32 winners, overcoming 21 unforced errors, while Badosa’s struggle was evident in her 15 unforced errors against just 11 winners.
The match began with Badosa breaking Sabalenka for an early 2-0 lead, but the World No. 1 quickly turned the tide, winning five straight games to seize control. Once she found her rhythm, Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game proved too much for the Spaniard, who failed to capitalize on her lone break opportunity in the opening set.
Sabalenka’s dominance was even more evident in the second set, where she broke Badosa twice and held serve effortlessly. Dropping just a handful of points on serve, Sabalenka sealed the match in an hour and 27 minutes, leaving little doubt about her status as the favorite to lift the trophy.
“I feel confident and strong,” Sabalenka said post-match. “This tournament means so much to me, and I’m excited for the final.”
A potential blockbuster final
Sabalenka’s victory sets up what could be a dream final against either World No. 2 Iga Swiatek or the resurgent Madison Keys.
Swiatek, the second seed, would provide a thrilling showdown between the world’s top two players. The Pole, known for her precision and mental toughness, has been one of the few players capable of challenging Sabalenka’s dominance.
On the other hand, Madison Keys could look to disrupt Sabalenka’s plans. Keys, a former Australian Open finalist, is aiming for redemption after falling short in Melbourne previously. With her explosive game, Keys has the potential to play spoiler and derail Sabalenka’s bid for history.
Sabalenka’s quest for greatness
A third straight Australian Open title would cement Sabalenka’s status as one of the all-time greats of the modern era. The 25-year-old has already established herself as a dominant force in women’s tennis, but this victory could propel her into the pantheon of Grand Slam legends.
Sabalenka’s recent performances suggest she is more than ready for the final challenge. Her combination of power, consistency, and mental fortitude makes her the player to beat in Melbourne.
What’s next?
The highly anticipated final will take place on Saturday, with tennis fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of the second semi-final to see who will stand between Sabalenka and her historic three-peat.