Australia Open Day 12 live: Aryna Sabalenka’s gaffe cracks up Aussie Open

The two-time reigning champ made a promise to her beaten foe, but quickly realised she’d dropped the wrong word after the match.

Aryna Sabalenka sent an ominous message on Thursday night as she powered into a third straight Australian Open final.

The top seed was a shade below her absolute best, but still had far too much firepower for 11th seed and great friend Paula Badosa, claiming a 6-4 6-2 win in one hour, 26 minutes.

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Apart from a misfiring serve early in the first set, the Belarussian’s biggest mistake came in her hilarious post-match interview with Jelena Dokic, which you can see in the video player above.

In the second semi-final, American Madison Keys caused a boilover in an incredible second semi-final, beating hot favourite Iga Swiatek 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8) to earn a shot at Sabalenka in Saturday’s final.

Aryna Sabalenka (left) had the crowd in stitches after her semi-final triumph. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

There was also another win for promising Aussie Emerson Jones, the top seed in the junior girls’ draw who moved into the semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

Attention now moves to the men’s semi-finals, with Novak Djokovic taking on second seed Alexander Zverev at 2.30pm AEDT on Friday before Ben Shelton tries to halt defending champion Jannik Sinner’s charge from 7.30pm.

Sinner was far too strong for Australia’s Alex de Minaur on Wednesday night, cruising through their quarter-final in straight sets.

Shelton also earned worldwide praise, including from some all-time tennis greats, after he called out some of the interviews that have happened at this year’s tournament.

Catch up on all the action from Day 12 in our live coverage below.

Originally published as Australia Open Day 12 live: Aryna Sabalenka’s gaffe cracks up Aussie Open