Aryna Sabalenka is on fire at this year’s Australian Open. With her dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over her best friend and first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Paula Badosa, Sabalenka has stormed into her third consecutive Australian Open final. The Belarusian powerhouse now stands on the verge of history as she aims to become the first woman in 26 years to win three straight Australian Open titles. Even the legendary Serena Williams, who claimed seven Australian Open crowns, couldn’t accomplish this feat. What does Sabalenka have to say about the potential three-peat record?

Aryna Sabalenka’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. Her triumph over Badosa marked her 20th consecutive win at Melbourne Park, solidifying her dominance in the tournament. When asked about the potential milestone during her on-court interview, the World No.1 expressed her emotions.

“Just saying that I have goosebumps,” she said. “I am so proud of myself and my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation. 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. At first, I was dreaming to win at least one Grand Slam, and now I have this opportunity, and it’s incredible.”

If the 26-year-old clinches the title, her name will join the ranks of tennis greats like Margaret Court (1969–1971), Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1974–1976), Monica Seles (1991–1993), and Steffi Graf (1988–1990). The last woman to achieve this remarkable feat was Martina Hingis, who secured three consecutive Australian Open titles from 1997 to 1999.

Serena Williams came close to matching this record in 2011, after winning back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. However, a foot injury forced her to withdraw from the tournament that year, leaving the door open for someone else to make history. Now, Sabalenka has the chance to achieve what Serena narrowly missed.

There is another element of drama to Sabalenka’s semifinal victory. What is it?

Aryna Sabalenka is ready to ‘pay’ the price for defeating bestie Paula Badosa

This wasn’t just another win for Aryna Sabalenka. It came at the expense of her closest friend on tour, Paula Badosa. Despite their deep bond, which Sabalenka has described as a “soulmate” connection, the two didn’t hold back in their highly competitive clash. Badosa, seeded 11th, had been in stellar form, having stunned world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal.

The World No.1 acknowledged the bittersweet nature of their match with humor. She said, “I think we’re doing it pretty well. I hope she’s still my friend, I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next hour or day or two,” she said with a laugh. “I’m OK with that, I can handle that, and then after that, we’ll be back to being friends and going out shopping together.”

And, of course, Sabalenka couldn’t resist adding a playful promise: “I would love to go shopping together soon, and I promise to pay for anything she wants.”

As the 26-year-old tennis player gears up for Saturday’s final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. She’ll face the winner of the second semifinal between world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys. Both potential opponents pose a significant challenge, but Sabalenka’s form and confidence suggest she’s more than ready.

The Belarusian tennis star is not just chasing another Grand Slam title—she’s chasing history.

Will Aryna Sabalenka seal her name in the record books and become the first woman in over two decades to achieve this extraordinary milestone? All eyes are on Melbourne as we await the final chapter of her remarkable Australian Open journey.