Aryna Sabalenka says what she is doing ‘much better’ now compared to two years ago as she reaches Australian Open semi-final

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Aryna Sabalenka has the chance to etch her name into Australian Open folklore in Melbourne this month.

World number one Sabalenka is into a third successive Australian Open semi-final, having overcome Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarters.

The 18-time WTA winner is a two-time defending champion in Melbourne, with Sabalenka having been mixing up her game to great success so far.

World number two Iga Swiatek does remain at the first Grand Slam of 2025, but number three Coco Gauff has fallen to Paula Badosa.

And it is the Spaniard who is up next for Sabalenka at Rod Laver Arena, where the latter has played all five of her matches so far.

Aryna Sabalenka eyeing tennis history with third successive Australian Open title

The Belarusian can become the first woman since Martina Hingis to win three successive Australian Open titles, with Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles having previously achieved the feat.

Asked in her post-match press conference if she believes she can follow in their footsteps, and indeed if she feels she belongs in their company, Sabalenka replied: “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. To be next to those names, wow, that’s just a dream.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz disagrees with Aryna Sabalenka after issue she suffered with during third round at the Australian Open

“Of course, it has always been in the back of my mind that I can do that. But you know, my main focus is, as you said, step by step.

“I know that if I’ll be able to bring my best tennis on each game, if not the best tennis, then the best fight 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.”

Aryna Sabalenka managing emotions ‘much better’ ahead of Australian Open semi-final

Sabalenka really dominated the 2024 season, winning both a second Australian Open title and the US Open title.

She also stole the world number one ranking off Swiatek, with an intriguing final now on the cards between the pair.

READ MORE: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova says what was ‘embarrassing’ about the first set of her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open

And while it certainly hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Belarusian in her career to date, she is now beyond the stage of being scared for matches.

Asked if that was a feeling against Pavlyuchenkova, she replied: “I think, I mean, there is nothing to do with being scared or anything.

“I think I passed that stage. I was just trying to figure out how to play in these conditions. I was struggling a lot with finding my rhythm, finding the solution in these conditions.

“It’s not about being scared. It’s about finding the way out. I was struggling not in the beginning, actually. In the second set I was struggling with finding the way, but then I found one way. Yeah, I’m happy that I was able to do that.”

And questioned what part of her game she thinks is better now compared to the last two years, she responded: “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.”