Aryna Sabalenka insisted she will continue to take each game step by step at the Australian Open as she hunts a record-equalling third straight crown in Melbourne. 

Sabalenka overcame a quarter-final scare in her clash against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, eventually emerging a 6-2 2-6 6-3 victor in one hour and 53 minutes.

She is now the second player in the last 15 years to reach three consecutive women’s singles semi-finals at the Australian Open after Serena Williams (2015-2017). 

Sabalenka is also the first woman to win 19+ straight singles matches at the Australian Open since Martina Hingis, who claimed 27 consecutive wins at the event between 1997 and 2000.

The Belarusian will face Paula Badosa in the final four after she stunned Coco Gauff 7-5 6-4 to reach her maiden grand slam semi-final. 

Sabalenka now has history within her sights as she aims to become the first player since Hingis, from 1997 to 1999, to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.

Margaret Court (1969-71), Evonne Goolagong (1974-76), Steffi Graf (1988-90) and Monica Seles (1991-93) have also achieved the feat, but Sabalenka was quick not to overlook her upcoming clash with Badosa. 

"Well, you know, it's a big question. I'm really happy that I put myself in this situation where I have the opportunity to become one of them," Sabalenka said.

"To be next to those names, wow, that's just a dream. Of course, it has always been in the back of my mind that I could do that. My main focus is, as you said, step by step.

"I know that if I'll be able to bring my best tennis to each game, if not the best tennis, then the best fighting spirit, I know that I'm capable of doing that.

"I'm just trying to focus on myself and on bringing my best tennis every time I'm out there."

6 - Aryna Sabalenka is the first player to make six consecutive hard court Women’s Singles Grand Slam semi-finals since Serena Williams (US Open 2014 - Australian Open 2017). Inspired.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/FT2kLXydvC

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 21, 2025

Sabalenka ended the 2024 season with victory over Jessica Pegula at the US Open, winning her third grand slam title, while she also reclaimed the year-end number one spot. 

And she will fancy her chances of reaching yet another final given her record against her upcoming opponent. Sabalenka is the opponent against whom Badosa has played (seven) and lost (five) the most career matches against. 

Since the 2023 campaign, Sabalenka's lowest finish at each of the four grand slams came at the French Open last year when she was beaten by Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals, though she did miss Wimbledon in 2024 with a shoulder injury. 

But when asked about her recent success at Melbourne Park, Sabalenka revealed that her ability to control her emotions this time around has helped her performance. 

"I think I'm managing my emotions much better. Even if I get frustrated on the court, I'm able to bring myself back on court and shift my focus to the right direction.

"I think that's been the key in most of the matches."