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.

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.

Aryna Sabalenka has offered to take defeated semi-finalist Paula Badosa on a shopping trip after dumping her out of the Australian Open. Sabalenka earned a guaranteed £1.5million for making it to her third consecutive Australian Open final, after beating world No.12 Badosa in straight sets.