Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to her third consecutive Australian Open final after delivering a powerful performance against her good friend and 11th seed Paula Badosa. Sabalenka triumphed with a score of 6-4, 6-2, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination to become the first woman to clinch three consecutive titles since Martina Hingis achieved the feat from 1997 to 1999.

Initially, Sabalenka faced challenges, trailing 2-0 in the opening set due to her own unforced errors. However, she quickly recalibrated her game, taking control and winning four consecutive games to claim the first set. With her trademark power and precision, she then dominated the second set, ultimately sealing the match with a strong serving performance.

“I have goosebumps. I’m so proud of myself and my team for reaching this stage,” stated Sabalenka in her on-court interview. The world number one expressed her desire to CNN make history, adding, “If I can put my name in the history books, it would mean the world to me.”

Sabalenka's victory sets up a showdown against either Iga Swiatek or Madison Keys in the final, a match that promises to be thrilling. Keys pulled off a surprise upset against Swiatek, battling back from a set down and saving match points en route to her victory. “I’m still trying to catch up to everything that’s happening. I’m in the finals,” said an ecstatic Keys, who hopes to capture her first Australian Open title.

Sabalenka and Badosa, despite the competitive nature of their match, displayed a deep camaraderie, sharing a warm embrace after the game and discussing future shopping plans. “She’ll probably hate me for a day or two, but we will be friends again,” joked Sabalenka, who leads their head-to-head series.

With this win, Sabalenka extends her remarkable streak, looking for her fourth Grand Slam title in total as she prepares for the final on Saturday.

For further details on the tournament, visit BBC and AP News.