Melbourne – Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are both poised to claim spots in the final of the Australian Open after dominant performances in the lead-up to Thursday’s semi-finals at Melbourne Park. The two heavyweights are clear favorites in their respective matches, with Sabalenka set to face Spain’s Paula Badosa and Swiatek ready to take on Madison Keys, in what promises to be a thrilling double-header at Rod Laver Arena.
World number one and defending champion Sabalenka is aiming to make history by securing her third consecutive Australian Open title, something that has not been achieved by a woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 Sabalenka enters the semi-final after a commanding win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and remains focused on extending her impressive streak.
Meanwhile, Badosa, who stunned world number three Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, has battled back from a career-threatening back injury. The 27-year-old Spaniard’s determination has seen her reach her first Grand Slam semi-final, and she’s projected to return to the top 10 following the tournament.
In the second semi-final, Swiatek, the world number two, has been in devastating form. After dropping just 14 games in her five matches, she is determined to secure her first Australian Open title and retake the world number one ranking from Sabalenka. To do so, she must overcome the in-form Madison Keys, who enters the semi-finals on a 10-match win streak, including an Adelaide title.
Keys, who has reached the Australian Open semi-finals for the third time, knows she faces a tough challenge but remains focused on maintaining her strong momentum. “It will be tricky, I will just be focused on myself,” she said, acknowledging Swiatek’s powerful form.
If Sabalenka and Swiatek meet in the final, the winner will walk away with the coveted Australian Open title and the world number one ranking, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.