Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are the favorites to reach the Australian Open final, with their semi-final matches scheduled for Thursday night.
As the defending champion and world number one, Sabalenka is aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title. If she succeeds, she will join tennis legends like Margaret Court and Steffi Graf.
“I’m really happy that I put myself in this situation where I have the opportunity to become one of them,” Sabalenka shared. “To be next to those names, wow, that’s just a dream.”
Paula Badosa, the 11th seed, shocked Coco Gauff to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. After struggling with a chronic back injury last year, Badosa is making a remarkable comeback and is on track to return to the top 10.
“A year ago I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport,” Badosa revealed.
Sabalenka Aims for Historic Three-Peat
As the defending champion and world number one, Sabalenka is aiming for her third consecutive Australian Open title. If she succeeds, she will join tennis legends like Margaret Court and Steffi Graf.
“I’m really happy that I put myself in this situation where I have the opportunity to become one of them,” Sabalenka shared. “To be next to those names, wow, that’s just a dream.”
Badosa's Impressive Comeback
Paula Badosa, the 11th seed, shocked Coco Gauff to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. After struggling with a chronic back injury last year, Badosa is making a remarkable comeback and is on track to return to the top 10.
“A year ago I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport,” Badosa revealed.
Swiatek’s Calm and Dominance
Swiatek, ranked number two, has been dominant throughout the tournament. She has only lost 14 games in five matches. Now, she aims to win her first Australian Open title and regain the world number one ranking from Sabalenka.
“If Sabalenka doesn’t make the final, I will be number one again,” Swiatek said.
Keys Eyes Career-Best Performance
Madison Keys, ranked 19th, is aiming for her best Australian Open result. She is in the semi-finals for the third time. After winning the Adelaide title, Keys is on a 10-match win streak.
“Madison is a great player and experienced so you never know,” Swiatek said. “It will be tricky, but I’ll stay focused on myself.”
Keys feels more experienced now. “Probably a little bit less fearless, but to be here 10 years later in the semi-finals again, I’m really proud of myself,” said Keys.