Paula Badosa thought she might retire due to a back injury. A year later, she's in to the semifinals against close friend Aryna Sabalenka.

Aryna Sabalenka is set to face her best friend Paula Badosa in the Australian Open semi-finals, aiming for a third consecutive title. Despite their friendship, Sabalenka is determined to maintain her competitive edge and join an elite group of players who have achieved consecutive wins.

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan.

Coco Gauff’s fast start to the year came to an end at the Australian Open as she fell to a 7-5, 6-4 quarterfinal defeat against Paula Badosa.