Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian Open final.

Aryna Sabalenka has reached her third consecutive Australian Open final by defeating Paula Badosa in straight sets. Sabalenka, aiming for a third cons

Aryna Sabalenka will not let her friendship with Paula Badosa affect her quest to win a third successive Australian Open title when the best friends clash in the semi-finals, the defending champion said on Tuesday.

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is just one win away from a hat-trick of Australian Open titles after seeing off best friend Paula Badosa to reach a third straight final.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka brushed aside her close friendship with Paula Badosa on 23 January to secure her place in a third consecutive Australian Open final. The world number one defeated the Spaniard 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena and now awaits either Iga Swiatek or Madison Keys in Saturday's title clash.

In the Australian Open final, Aryana Sabalenka will attempt to emulate Martina Hingis’ three consecutive title wins from 1997 to 1999.

The 27-year-old Spaniard will face two-time defending champion and best friend Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The World No. 1 demolished Paula Badosa in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, on Thursday to clinch a third consecutive Australian Open finals berth.

Badosa defeated American third seed Coco Gauff for her maiden Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Meanwhile, Sabalenka won against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2 2-6 6-3. She is on track to become the first woman to accomplish a three-peat at the Australian Open since Martina Hingis reigned supreme from 1997 to 1999.

Aryna Sabalenka is the first woman to reach three singles finals in a row at the Australian Open since Serena Williams (2015-2017) and the youngest since Martina Hingis (1997-2002)

No.3 seed Coco Gauff had to come from behind to beat Belinda Bencic and reach the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka knocks out teenager Mirra Andreeva on Rod Laver Arena; Coco Gauff battles back to set up showdown with Spaniard Paula Badosa; watch all the action from the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,