In the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and two-time defending champion, faced off against Spain’s Paula Badosa at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. The match attracted notable attendees, including American supermodel and entrepreneur Tyra Banks, who was present as a guest of Tennis Australia.
Banks, known for her pioneering work in the fashion industry and as the creator of “America’s Next Top Model,” has been residing in Sydney to launch her ice cream brand, Smize & Dream, in Australia. She participated in the Australian Open Inspirational Series earlier in the day and expressed her enthusiasm for tennis, despite humorously admitting to being an “awful” player. During the match, Banks was seen in the VIP section, donning a unique black hoodie, headband, and pants ensemble.
On the court, Sabalenka and Badosa, close friends off the court, delivered an engaging performance. Badosa started strong, nearly securing a 3-0 lead in the first set. However, Sabalenka quickly regained control, breaking back and ultimately taking the set 6-4 in just under an hour.
In the second set, Sabalenka’s dominance became more pronounced. She overpowered Badosa with her aggressive playstyle, securing a 6-2 victory to close out the match. This win propels Sabalenka into her third consecutive Australian Open final, bringing her one step closer to achieving a rare three-peat in Melbourne—a feat last accomplished by Martina Hingis in 1999.
Despite the loss, Badosa’s performance throughout the tournament has been commendable. Reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at 27, she showcased resilience and skill, notably defeating third-seed Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. This achievement is expected to elevate her into the top 10 of the WTA rankings, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Sabalenka now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal between Madison Keys and Iga Świątek to determine her opponent in the final. Both potential matchups promise an exciting conclusion to the tournament, as Sabalenka aims to further cement her legacy with a third consecutive Australian Open title.
The presence of high-profile figures like Tyra Banks at the match underscores the global appeal of the Australian Open, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment. Banks’ involvement in the Inspirational Series and her business ventures in Australia highlight the country’s cultural and economic significance on the international stage.
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the final match, where Sabalenka will strive to make history. Her consistent performance and formidable presence on the court have solidified her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis, and a third consecutive title would further affirm her position at the pinnacle of the sport.
In summary, the 2025 Australian Open semifinals not only showcased high-caliber tennis but also highlighted the event’s broad cultural impact, exemplified by Tyra Banks’ attendance and entrepreneurial initiatives in Australia. As Sabalenka moves forward to the final, the tennis world watches with anticipation to see if she can achieve the remarkable milestone of a three-peat at Melbourne Park.
