Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa Preview & Prediction | 2025 Australian Open | Semi-Final
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World number one Aryna Sabalenka continues her bid for a third straight Australian Open title, but she faces a formidable semi-final opponent in the form of Coco Gauff’s conqueror Paula Badosa.
Start date/time: Thursday 23rd January, 2025, UK – not before 8:30am / Wednesday 22nd January, US ET – not before 3:30am / US PT – not before 12:30am
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Eurosport / US – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – Eurosport website & discovery+ / US – ESPN+ platforms
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa ticket information
Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa Prediction
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka was given an almighty scare in the quarter-finals by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, going down a break in the deciding set before fighting back to record a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory.
While she hasn’t been at her brilliant best in Melbourne, the two-time champion has delivered when it mattered most and her hopes of an Australian Open ‘threepeat’ remain alive.
First though, she must navigate her way past Coco Gauff’s conqueror Paula Badosa, who will now feature in the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.
The Spaniard, who was told ten months ago that her career might be over due to a stress facture in her back, showed excellent resilience against Gauff and took the initiative by drawing out errors from the American, particularly on the forehand side where the youngster faltered at key moments.
When it comes to career meetings, Sabalenka has beaten Badosa on the last five occasions that they have faced off, including all three matches in 2024. Badosa has triumphed in two of the three hard-court meetings, however.
At times, Sabalenka has looked vulnerable in Melbourne and with Badosa full of confidence after her excellent win over Gauff, she can win at least a set here.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa Tip: Over 2.5 sets
