MELBOURNE, Australia — Aryna Sabalenka continued her charge towards a third-straight Australian Open title by overwhelming her “soulmate” Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 in Thursday evening’s semifinal.

Aryna Sabalenka moved one win away from becoming the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, recovering from a slow start to beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 Thursday night to return to the final.

In the final at the Australian Open on Saturday, Aryna Sabalenka (ranked No. 1) takes on Madison Keys (No. 14).In her last match on Thursday, Sabalenka beat Paula Badosa in two sets, 6-4, 6-2, to