Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are on course to set up a highly anticipated Australian Open final if they can overcome their respective semi-final opponents on Thursday. Both players are favorites heading into their matches at Melbourne Park, which promises an exciting night of women’s tennis under the lights at Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka Eyes Historic Three-Peat
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, ranked world number one, will face Spain’s 11th seed Paula Badosa in the first semi-final. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. If she achieves the feat, the Belarusian will join an elite group of five players, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, and Monica Seles, who have completed a Melbourne three-peat.
Speaking about the milestone, Sabalenka said, “To be mentioned alongside those legendary names is incredible. This is a dream opportunity for me.”
Her opponent, Paula Badosa, has been a revelation this tournament, defeating world number three Coco Gauff in straight sets to secure her first Grand Slam semi-final at the age of 27. Overcoming a chronic back injury that nearly ended her career last year, Badosa has battled her way back into the top 10 rankings with this performance. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “A year ago, I wasn’t sure if I could continue playing tennis. To be in this position now feels surreal.”
Swiatek Aims to Reclaim No. 1 Spot
In the second semi-final, Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the current world number two, will take on 19th seed Madison Keys. Swiatek has dominated the women’s draw, losing only 14 games across her five matches. Calm and composed, she is not only chasing her first Australian Open title but also the opportunity to reclaim the world number one ranking from Sabalenka.
Swiatek’s path to the final, however, won’t be easy. Madison Keys, a seasoned campaigner, is making her third appearance in the Melbourne semi-finals, 10 years after her first. The American is riding a 10-match winning streak, which includes her title run in Adelaide earlier this month.
“Madison is an experienced and dangerous player,” Swiatek acknowledged. “I’ll stay focused on my game because we all know how well she can play.”
For Keys, this semi-final is a testament to her growth as a player. Reflecting on her journey, the 29-year-old said, “I’m a smarter player now, though perhaps a little less fearless. To return to the semi-finals 10 years later is something I’m truly proud of.”
High Stakes Await in Potential Final
Should both Swiatek and Sabalenka advance, the final will not only determine the Australian Open champion but also who will claim the top spot in the world rankings. For now, all eyes are on their upcoming semi-finals as the two stars aim to set the stage for what could be a historic showdown.
