Aryna Sabalenka cruised her way through the first women’s Australian Open semi-final against Paula Badosa.
The Belarusian won the match in 6-4 6-2 straight sets, taking her through to her third consecutive Australian Open final.
Set one of the semi started slow for the world number one, facing an early break and going 2-0 down.
However, three games later and Sabalenka finds herself 3-2 up with all her weapons firing in the right places.
The roof closed at the end of the sixth game in set one, favouring the two-time AO champion; conditions became more controllable and groundstrokes gradually became impossible to return for Badosa.
Sabalenka remained cool after her topsy-turvy start. At 5-3 she looked completely relaxed on the court and in the zone.
Badosa held her serve well and forced the Belarusian to serve out the first set at 5-4, which she does in cool fashion to end the first set 6-4.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, Sabalenka continued her dominance into the second set with the groundstrokes seemingly becoming even heavier.
The 11th seed conceded two double faults in a row at 1-1 which eventually led to the first break of serve in the set.
With Sabalenka’s firepower increasing, so did Badosa’s frustration as she was furious with her inability to compete with the shots being fired at her.
One more double fault from Badosa gave Sabalenka advantage and another break point. Sabalenka converted once again to take the second set to 4-1.
Both players continued to hold their serve and Sabalenka found herself 5-2 up with three match points. The Belarusian served strong and followed up with a signature forehand to finish the match 6-4 6-2 and take her into the 2025 Australian Open final.
Sabalenka is set to face the winner of the other semi between American Madison Keys, and Pole Iga Swiatek. Most will have Swiatek as favourite to set up a first and second seed final.
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