Aryna Sabalenka defeated her close friend Paula Badosa in a ruthless Australian Open semi-final display, winning 6-4, 6-2. Despite their friendship, Sabalenka dominated the match, showcasing her powerful game and reaching the final.
had to put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside as she breezed past the Spaniard 6-4, 6-2 in their semi-final clash on Rod Laver Arena.Sabalenka had previously described Badosa as her 'soulmate', but that did not stop the Belarusian from putting on a ruthless display.
The world No. 1 smashed 32 winners past Badosa and rarely gave her a sniff on serve, as the latter had just one break point throughout their one hour, 26-minute ordeal. It was a remarkable effort from the world No. 11 to reach the final four at Melbourne Park given she had to overcome a career-threatening back issue.'No one will cheer for you' - Ben Shelton shocked by reporter's commentThe run to the semi-finals was also Badosa's best performance at a grand slam having previously made the quarter final at the French Open and the US Open in 2021 and 2024 respectively.
"We both want it badly, it's our dream. No matter what happens on the court, we're going to be friends after, we agreed on that.
TENNIS AUSTRALIANOPEN ARYNASABALENKA PAULABADOSA SEMIFINAL
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