By Shrivathsa Sridhar MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys made rocky starts on Thursday but eventually secured contrasting victories to set up a heavy metal Australian Open final showdown that will pit two of the game's big hitters against each other.

Paula Badosa thought she might retire due to a back injury. A year later, she's in to the semifinals against close friend Aryna Sabalenka.

Paula Badosa and Madison Keys will be out to prevent a dream Australian Open final when they face Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, respectively, in Thursday's semi-finals at Melbourne Park. Sabalenka is on course to become the first woman to complete a "three-peat" since Swiss great Martina Hingis from 1997-90,

Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip at some point following her Australian Open semi-final win on Thursday. The world No 1, who has won the singles tournament twice Down Under,

Take a look at unique friendship timeline of Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa as they face off in the Australian Open 2025 semi-finals.