WTA Australian Open semifinals
Sabalenka – Badosa: 23.01.2025 09:00 CEST
H2H: 6-2
Aryna Sabalenka has won ten straight matches. At the beginning of the season, Sabalenka won the title in Brisbane, winning against Kudermetova in three tight sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Aryna turned the match around and won her season’s first title.
In the opening Australian Open round, Aryna defeated Stephens in straight sets. The world number 1 lost her serve twice in the match but still won in straight sets. Sabalenka had it easy in the second round against Bouzas Maneiro, winning in straight sets. However, in the third round against Tauson, Sabalenka struggled on the court. She lost her serve five times but still won in straight sets. Sabalenka trailed 3-5 in the first set but successfully turned the match around. In the 1/8-Finals, Aryna defeated Andreeva 6-1 6-2. She saved all three breakpoints and won within an hour.
Today, in the quarterfinals, Aryna won against Pavlyuchenkova in three tight sets, as we predicted. The first two sets were a roller-coaster. In the deciding set, Aryna and Anastasia could not keep their service games at the beginning of the set. At 4-3, Sabalenka broke Anastasia’s serve and closed out the match. Sabalenka is the defending champion here in Melbourne. Last year, Aryna defeated Zheng in the final in straight sets.
Paula Badosa has won five straight matches. Before the US Open, Badosa played two preparation tournaments. At the beginning of the season, Paula lost in the opening round of the WTA Brisbane against Avanesyan in three sets. After that, in Adelaide, Paula lost in the second round against Krueger in three sets.
Here in Melbourne, she won both opening matches in straight sets. Her toughest challenge was against Kostyuk in the third round. Paul defeated Kostyuk in three tight sets. Badosa was better under pressure in the deciding set and saved both breakpoints. In the 1/8-Finals, Paul easily won against Danilovic in straight sets. She ended the match with 21 winners and 14 unforced errors. Paula trailed 3-5 in the second set but successfully turned the set around.
Today, in the quarterfinals, Paula put up a big fight against Gauff, as we predicted. She upset Coco in straight sets. Badosa was a better player throughout the match and kept believing in herself. Last year in Melbourne, Badosa lost against Anisimova in the tournament’s third round. This is her most significant result in this competition. Her previous best result at the Australian Open happened in 2022, reaching the fourth round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Sabalenka is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Sabalenka is currently the best player in the world. Badosa has no weapons for Aryna’s game, and we expect Sabalenka to dominate in this match.
That being said, Sabalenka winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Aryna Sabalenka winning 2-0 @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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