Aryna Sabalenka sets up Australian Open semi-final with good friend Paula Badosa

The two-time defending champion recovered from losing her first set of the tournament.

Aryna Sabalenka claimed a 6-2 2-6 6-3 victory Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Picture: Manish Swarup/AP

Aryna Sabalenka will face close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after battling to victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The two-time defending champion’s 18-match winning run at Melbourne Park looked in serious danger when she lost the second set on a windy Rod Laver Arena.