World number one, Aryna Sabalenka, is on the verge of making history after reaching the Australian Open final with a straight-set win over Italy’s Paula Badosa in Melbourne.
Sabalenka is aiming to win the Grand Slam for the third consecutive time and join an exclusive list of women who have achieved a feat last recorded when Martina Hingis claimed the crown in 1999.
The top-seeded Belarussian battled from two games down to claim the first set 6-4 before having more control of the encounter in the second set, losing just two games before sealing the set 6-2 and booking her place in Saturday’s final.
“I am so proud of myself and my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka said. “It’s a privilege and if I will be able to put my name in the history [books] it’s going to mean the world to me.”
Sabalenka has now won 20 straight games at the Australian Open and awaits the winner of the second semi-final between second-seeded Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys of the United States later on Thursday.