Paula Badosa responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘big’ gift after their Australian Open semifinal

Aryna Sabalenka, who is aiming for a third consecutive Australian Open title will face Madison Keys at the Australian Open 2025 finals.

Paula Badosa responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘big’ gift after their Australian Open semifinal

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa (via X)

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in straight sets at the Australian Open 2025 semifinals. The Belarusian will face 14th ranked Madison Keys at the finals which is scheduled to take place on 25th January at Rod Laver Arena.

Beyond their on court rivalry, Sabalenka shares a close friendship with Badosa which was evident today quite a few times. In a light hearted moment at the on court interview after the semifinal match, Sabalenka promised to take her friend out shopping and pay for the bill!

YouTube video

I’m just gonna forgive you after my BIG gift.

Paula Badosa via Instagram

In another moment under Aryna Sabalenka‘s Instagram post, Paula Badosa commented a sweet message. She wrote “Insane level, no words I’m just gonna forgive you after my BIG gift…” to which Sabalenka replied “anything you want my love”.

FS Video

Badosa and Sabalenka have been friends for over three years now. Their friendship blossomed in 2021, when they connected during the Indian Wells tournament. Both friends have played each other eight times now with Sabalenka winning six of those matches.

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Aryna Sabalenka is eyeing for a hat trick at the Australian Open

The World No. 1 seems unstoppable, especially on hard court. After a phenomenal 2024 season, Aryna Sabalenka started off her 2025 season strong, winning the Brisbane International title. She is now focused on winning her next title of the season which will also be her third Grand Slam title.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka

The Australian Open 2025 finals marks the sixth meeting between Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys. The American’s sole victory over the Belarusian was at their second encounter, which took place in 2021 at Berlin. The upcoming match marks Keys’s first Australian Open final. She reached the finals after defeating second seed Iga Swiatek in a highly competitive semifinal.

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Sabalenka is eyeing for a third consecutive Australian Open title. At the 2023 Australian Open finals she defeated Elena Rybakina to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title. The next year, she defeated Zheng Qinwen in straight sets in the final.

Only five women so far have achieved a hat trick at the Australian Open. They include Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis. With the 2025 title, Sabalenka would also become the first woman to achieve this feat in the 21st century.