Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka extended a gracious invitation to her friend Paula Badosa on Thursday after defeating her in straight sets, thereby securing a place in her third consecutive Australian Open final. Badosa later acknowledged the offer.

Sabalenka managed to overcome a slow start in the semifinal, winning against the world number 12 with a score of 6-4, 6-2, effectively concluding Badosa's impressive journey in Melbourne. A year prior, Badosa was ranked outside the top 100 due to ongoing injury issues and had even considered retirement before making a remarkable comeback this year, which included a stunning victory over former US Open champion Coco Gauff on her way to her first Grand Slam semifinal.

After her victory, Sabalenka expressed her hope that Badosa would still consider her a friend despite the outcome of the match, offering to take the Spaniard shopping as a gesture of goodwill.

In a conversation with Jelena Dokic, Sabalenka remarked, "I hope she still sees me as a friend. I’m sure she might be upset with me for a few hours or days, but that’s alright; I can manage that. Eventually, I believe we will return to being friends and enjoy outings together, including shopping... I promise Paula that we will go shopping, and I will cover whatever she desires."

When asked about her preparations for the final against Madison Keys, who surprised world number two Iga Swiatek in the other semifinal, the 26-year-old stated, "The focus will be on enjoying the day and temporarily setting tennis aside. Naturally, I will practice a little, but for the remainder of the day, tennis will not be my priority. Shopping with Paula? Perhaps, I hope she will still be around so we can go together. However, I will need to set a spending limit for her, as she tends to go overboard."

During the post-match press conference, Badosa was inquired about Sabalenka's shopping offer and whether she had any specific requests for a gift. "Something really expensive then," she replied.

"It will have to be something quite costly because I believe she has doubled her prize money. Therefore, I don’t think she will have any issues with that. I will give it some thought."

Read Also: Keys swings into the final, faces Sabalenka next

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