Aryna Sabalenka is set to face her close friend Paula Badosa in the Australian Open semifinals, aiming for her third consecutive title. Pleased with Badosa's return to form after overcoming significant challenges, Sabalenka asserts that their friendship will not influence their competitive spirit on the court. The match is particularly noteworthy as Badosa reaches her first Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Coco Gauff. Sabalenka, with a favorable record against Badosa, remains focused on achieving a historic three-peat, a feat not accomplished by women since Martina Hingis.
"We decided a long time ago that off the court we are friends, while on the court she really wants to win, I really want to win."
"I'm really happy to see that [Badosa] has been through a lot. Now she's back on her best game."
"I'm really happy that I put myself in this situation where I have the opportunity to become one of [the elite three-peat champions]."
"Badosa upset American third seed Coco Gauff to make her first Grand Slam semifinal on Tuesday."
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