Paula Badosa says she is ready to 'forgive' Aryna Sabalenka if she fulfils one big promise after beating Spaniard at Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in straight sets during their 2025 Australian Open semifinal match. Despite their close friendship off the court, Badosa playfully demanded a "big gift" from Sabalenka before extending her forgiveness.

On Thursday, January 23, Sabalenka and Badosa took to the Rod Laver Arena for their eighth battle on tour. The Belarusian led the head-to-head 5-2 coming into the match and extended her lead with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win.

During her post-match on-court interview, Sabalenka lightheartedly addressed their friendship and claimed she could handle Badosa hating her for the next hour or day but not more. Further, she added:

"After that, I think we're back to being friends, back to going out together, shopping. Paula, we go shopping, and I pay for whatever you want—maybe with a limit because she can go crazy."

Taking to Instagram later, Sabalenka posted a carousel of images from her semifinal clash. In the caption, she addressed their friendship again and wrote:

"One more. See you Saturday @australianopen 💪🏼 @paulabadosa promised she’d still be my friend…"

Badosa, who was playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, wrote:

"Insane level, no words🔥 I’m just gonna forgive you after my BIG gift… ❤️‍🩹"

Obliging, Sabalenka responded:

"Anything you want my love❤️😂❤️"

Paula Badosa's comment and Aryna Sabalenka's response on Instagram (Image: Instagram @arynasabalenka)

After the match, Sabalenka was spotted conversing with Badosa in the player's area and the friends were all smiles. With the triumph, Sabalenka advanced into her third-straight Australian Open final.

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"I am so proud of myself" - Aryna Sabalenka one step closer to achieving Australian Open three-peat after SF win over Paula Badosa

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

During her on-court interview after defeating Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka was informed that she would be joining Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis in an elite list of women to win the Australian Open thrice in a row if she wins her next match in Melbourne.

"I have goosebumps. I am so proud of myself and my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation," Sabalenka responded. "If I put my name in history it will mean the world for me. I couldn't even dream of it."

On Saturday, January 25, Sabalenka will take on Madison Keys in the women's singles 2025 Australian Open final. 19th seed Keys defeated World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a grueling battle in the semifinals.