By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Double defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overwhelmed Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2 with a impressive display of raw power to reach her third successive Australian Open final on Thursday.

Paula Badosa joked that Aryna Sabalenka produced 'PlayStation' tennis during their semi-final clash at the Australian Open 2025 on Thursday, January 23. Sabalenka reached her 3rd consecutive final by beating Badosa in straight sets.

Aryna Sabelenka remains on course for a historic third straight Australian Open title after beating No. 11 seed and close friend Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2 in Thursday’s first semifinal.

As Paula Badosa watched Aryna Sabalenka winners whizzing by her from all angles on Thursday, it was game over for the Spaniard in the Australian Open semi-finals as she fell to an inspired opponent producing "PlayStation" tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka moved one win away from becoming the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, recovering from a slow start to beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 and return to the final.

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka beats close friend Paula Badosa in commanding fashion to reach the Australian Open final.

Aryna Sabalenka continued her charge towards a third-straight Australian Open title by overwhelming her “soulmate” Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in Thursday evening’s semifinal. Sabalenka and Badosa are extremely close friends and shared a warm embrace at the end of the match,