Aryna Sabalenka Keeps Historic Australian Open Hattrick on Track
Melbourne, Australia
Aryna Sabalenka kept a historic Australian Open hattrick on track today as she battled past Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka’s 19th Win in a Row
The world No 1 will face Spain’s Paula Badosa for a place in the Melbourne final after the Spanish 11th seed stunned Coco Gauff in straight sets. It was the Belarusian’s 19th win in a row at Melbourne Park, but turned into a battle for survival in increasingly windy conditions during a match that had both players struggling to hold serve in the third set.
Journey to the Semifinals
Sabalenka’s quarterfinal opened in nervy fashion with few baseline exchanges and she broke early to grab a 3-1 lead. She did not face a break point in the opener and clinched the set in 31 minutes with a rocket forehand crosscourt winner. The stiffening breeze and falling temperatures resulted in staccato tennis for the purists. Only eight of 50 rallies in the first set lasted longer than four shots and only one went beyond nine as winners were peppered with errors.
Pavlyuchenkova’s Comeback
Pavlyuchenkova turned the match on its head in the second set as a brilliant forehand down the line gave her a break, and then she held for a 3-1 lead. Pavlyuchenkova found another gear and began to extend the rallies, breaking again to lead 4-1. An exchange of breaks took the Russian to a 5-2 lead and she served out to love to level the match. Another Sabalenka unforced error, her 19th, saw her broken again at the start of the third set.
The Decisive Moment
Both players were struggling badly by now to keep the ball in court and the first four games went against serve. In the eighth game, Sabalenka made the decisive move, breaking for 5-3 and going on to clinch the match in 1 hour 53 minutes.
The Road to the Final
Standing in Sabalenka’s path to the final will be Badosa, who almost quit the sport last year because of a chronic back condition. Badosa shattered world No 3 Gauff’s dream of a first Australian Open title with a 7-5, 6-4 win earlier to reach her first Slam semifinal. She is the first Spanish woman into a major semifinal since Garbine Muguruza, also at Melbourne, in 2020.
A Remarkable Comeback
It has been a remarkable comeback to tennis for Badosa, who was ranked outside the top 100 a year ago after a stress fracture in her back. “I mean, a year ago, I was here with my back that I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport, and now I’m here playing against the best in the world,” said Badosa.
Conclusion
Aryna Sabalenka is one step closer to making history as she aims to become the first woman in 26 years to win the title three times in a row at Melbourne Park. Standing in her way is Paula Badosa, who has overcome a chronic back condition to reach her first Slam semifinal. The stage is set for an exciting final showdown between two talented players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Aryna Sabalenka?
A: Aryna Sabalenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No 1.
Q: Who is Paula Badosa?
A: Paula Badosa is a Spanish professional tennis player who has overcome a chronic back condition to reach her first Slam semifinal.
Q: How many wins in a row has Sabalenka accumulated at Melbourne Park?
A: Sabalenka has won 19 matches in a row at Melbourne Park.
Q: What is Sabalenka’s goal at the Australian Open?
A: Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman in 26 years to win the title three times in a row at Melbourne Park.