In the semifinals of the Australian Open, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faced off against her close friend Paula Badosa. Despite their friendship, Sabalenka remained focused and delivered a dominant performance, winning 6-4, 6-2 to advance to her third consecutive final.

Badosa, who had made an impressive comeback from a career-threatening back injury, was understandably emotional after the match. However, Sabalenka quickly composed herself and went over to console her friend. The two shared a warm embrace and were seen laughing together, showing the strength of their bond. Sabalenka also consoled Badosa after her speech as per he following video.

Sabalenka spoke about their friendship post-match, saying, “After a couple of battles against each other, we spoke and we decided to put it aside. We’re here. She wants it badly. We both want it badly. It’s our dream. Here we were opponents. No matter what happens on the court, we’ll be friends after our matches. It’s tough to do but we agreed on that.”

The tennis world has applauded Sabalenka for her sportsmanship and kindness, highlighting the importance of maintaining friendships even in the heat of competition. Sabalenka also promised to take Badosa shopping and pay for whatever she wants as a gesture of their enduring friendship.

Sabalenka’s next challenge is to win her third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Martina Hingis in 1999. With her unwavering determination and powerful game, she is well on her way to making history.

Tommy Paul in 2025

Now ranked no.

11 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 21^st of January when he surrendered to world no.2 Alexander Zverev 7-6(1) 7-6(0) 2-6 6-1 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).

During this season the American owns an overall 6-2 win-loss record. Tommy Paul’s best achievement of the present year was getting to the semifinal in Adelaide.

He is also scheduled to play in Dallas (Dallas Open) on the 3rd of February and Delray Beach (Delray Beach Open) on the 10th of February.

Sabalenka at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.1, the Belarussian has managed to achieve a composed 11-0 record in 2025. The Belarussian is currently competing at the Australian Open where she toppled the world no.81 Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2, the world no.54 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3 7-5, the world no.42 Clara Tauson 7-6(5) 6-4, the world no.15 Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-2, the world no.32 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2 2-6 6-3 and the world no.12 Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2.

The Belarussian has won 1 title in 2025 in Brisbane.

The Belarussian won 18 titles in her career: 14 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)