MELBOURNE
– In tennis, being world number one isn’t enough to join the group of the legends. Not even a handful of Grand Slams, like the ones Aryna Sabalenka has, will suffice. To stand out, tennis players need to leave a mark on history.
A prime example of this is the career of the 26-year-old Belarusian, who, despite winning three major titles and spending over 20 consecutive weeks atop the WTA rankings across two seasons, is often overlooked when discussing the players who have shaped the last decade of women’s tennis.
That could soon change, as the world number one is just one step away from claiming her third consecutive Australian Open title and solidifying her place in a more exclusive group.
“I’m very proud of myself and my team for putting us in this position. It’s a privilege. Writing my name in history is something I couldn’t have dreamed of,” she admitted at Rod Laver Arena after defeating her friend, world number 12 Paula Badosa, in the semifinals.
Winning three straight titles in Melbourne is a feat achieved by only five women in the Open Era, all icons of women’s tennis: Margaret Court (1969–1971), Evonne Goolagong (1974–1976), Steffi Graf (1988–1990), Monica Seles (1991–1993), and Martina Hingis (1997–1999).
She could also become the fourth player in the 21st century to achieve a three-peat at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Iga Swiatek (2022–2024) and Justine Henin (2005–2007) accomplished this at Roland Garros, while Serena Williams did so at the US Open (2012–2014).
“It’s crazy that I’ve managed to put myself in a position where I have the chance to place my name alongside the legends. It would mean a lot to me,” she said in her press conference.
Her opponent in the final will be Madison Keys (WTA No. 14), who defeated Swiatek, the world No. 2, in a thrilling 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) match. For the North American, this marks her second Grand Slam final, following her runner-up finish at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to Sloane Stephens.
Keys is an unexpected contender, as expectations were set for another chapter in the Sabalenka-Swiatek rivalry, widely regarded as the most significant in women’s tennis in recent years. In fact, Swiatek herself is one of the reasons why Sabalenka has yet to establish herself as the leading figure on the tour. The Polish player dominated women’s tennis for 125 consecutive weeks starting in 2022, making her the seventh-longest reigning world No. 1. Her dominance on clay courts, with ten titles, including four at Roland Garros, underscores her stronghold on the circuit.
These numbers inevitably cast a shadow over Sabalenka, even as she was the best player of 2024. Her achievements remain eclipsed by her nemesis, against whom she holds a losing record, with eight defeats in their 12 encounters.
As a result, much of the post-semifinal press conference revolved around questions about a potential clash with Swiatek—questions that became irrelevant after the evening session in Melbourne. Keys rewrote the script, eliminating the chance for the WTA to see its first Grand Slam final between the world No. 1 and No. 2 in seven years. This statistic underscores the lack of rivalries in the modern era of women’s tennis.
“She’s an incredible player. She’s very aggressive, serves well, and moves well. I’ve watched her matches here, and she’s in great form. It’s going to be a great battle,” Sabalenka said about her upcoming opponent.
For Sabalenka, it’s a date with destiny and a chance to elevate herself to the next level. As she remarked: putting her name alongside the legends.