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.

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.

Coco Gauff will take on Paula Badosa in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Monday, January 20.Gauff beat Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 on Saturday in the Round of 16 in her most recent match.