Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip at some point following her Australian Open semi-final win on Thursday.
The world No 1, who has won the singles tournament twice Down Under, won 6-4, 6-2 to move to within one match of more Grand Slam glory.
Sabalena and Badosa are close friends, having known each other for a number of years.
And the reigning champion, speaking after her victory, has promised Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip to make up for her win.
Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip at some point following her Australian Open semi-final win on Thursday
REUTERS
“After a couple of battles against each other we have spoken and decided to put it aside and here we both wanted it badly, it’s our dream,” she said.
“We just open ends no matter what has happened on court we are going to be friends after our matches and it’s tough to do but we agreed on that and I think we are doing it pretty well.
“I hope she is still my friend, I’m sure she will hate me for the next hour or day but I’m ok with that, I can handle that.
JUST IN: Luke Littler receives warning about ‘scandal’ after darts star turned 18
“But after that I think we are back to being friends and going out together and shopping.
“I promise Paula we can go shopping and I pay for whatever she wants.”
Sabalenka also said: “Honestly I have no idea [how I turned it around].
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola makes questionable statement after Man City crash to PSG Champions League defeat
“I was just trying to build for the next games, I wasn’t thinking about winning that game [at 2-0 down] and then somehow I was able to turn on the game in that crucial game I would say.
“It was a super tough match against a friend, I’m super happy for her to see her at her highest level and it was a tough match and battl.
“But I’m happy to be through this difficult match.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Aryna Sabalenka will face either Madison Keys or Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open final
REUTERS
Sabalenka will keep her world No 1 ranking if Iga Swiatek fails to make the final.
The 23-year-old, who defeated Emma Raducanu earlier in the tournament, will lock horns with Madison Keys on Thursday.
Swiatek is yet to make a Grand Slam final in Australia but, after some strong showings so far, is the favourite to go through.
Aryna Sabalenka hopes her friendship with Paula Badosa is still intact following her Australian Open win on Thursday
REUTERS
Speaking prior to her clash with Keys, Swiatek labelled herself as ‘ruthless’.
“On the tennis court, I need to be ruthless, although this word is often understood by people as something negative,” she said.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton will all take to the court on Friday.