In a gripping quarter-final matchup at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka faced a significant challenge, coming alarmingly close to defeat for the first time in three years. After trailing by a break in the high-stakes final set against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Sabalenka summoned her remarkable mental fortitude to secure a place in the semi-finals. The match concluded with a scoreline of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in favor of the defending champion.
This victory is crucial for Sabalenka, the top seed and reigning two-time champion, as it marks her 20th consecutive win at the Australian Open. Her impressive track record in Melbourne showcases her dominance on this stage, with 29 victories in her last 30 matches across Australian tournaments. Notably, she started the 2025 season strong with a perfect 10-0 record, further accentuating her form. Until this contest, she had impressively won 25 consecutive sets in Melbourne, revealing her prowess in the Australian conditions.
Over recent years, Sabalenka has demonstrated unparalleled consistency in grand slam events, reaching the semi-finals of eight of her last nine major tournaments. The only exception to this remarkable trend occurred last year during the French Open when she encountered health issues that hindered her performance in the quarter-finals. Her ability to bounce back and maintain a high level of play throughout this period is a testament to her skill and resilience as a top athlete.
Now, Sabalenka is on a quest to accomplish a historic feat: becoming the first player in 26 years to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. This achievement was last realized by the illustrious Martina Hingis, who completed a three-peat back in 1999. The allure of adding yet another title to her collection drives Sabalenka as she prepares to face her close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. Badosa recently upset third seed Coco Gauff with a score of 7-5, 6-4, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the two friends on such a grand stage.
From the outset of the match, Sabalenka displayed an impressive level of play, showcasing her powerful game despite the challenging, windy conditions that often complicate matters for players. She swiftly established a commanding 6-2 lead through her aggressive attacking style, demonstrating her innate ability to dominate her opponent with fierce groundstrokes and strategic shot-making. However, Pavlyuchenkova—a talented and experienced player, having reached the finals at the 2021 French Open—eventually found her rhythm. She adapted to Sabalenka’s pace, executing well-timed shots and showcasing her own impressive skill set by taking the ball early and pressuring the Belarusian.
The turning point came in the deciding set when Pavlyuchenkova managed to break Sabalenka’s serve to go up 2-1. However, the weight of the moment overwhelmed her, leading to a tense service game filled with uncharacteristic errors. Losing her serve without winning a point, Pavlyuchenkova’s nerves unraveled, allowing Sabalenka to reclaim momentum. After leveling the match, Sabalenka remained focused, skillfully eliminating any chance for her opponent to regain control. As she maintained her composure and showcased her relentless determination, Sabalenka ultimately closed out the contest in three sets, reinforcing her status as a formidable competitor and enhancing her aspirations for a historic third consecutive title.
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