The world number one battled to a three-set victory over her Russian opponent on Tuesday (21.01.25) to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne and says it was "magic" that she triumphed in a challenging match played in windy conditions.

Sabalenka said: "I was just praying today.

"Praying to try and put the ball back in these tough conditions. I was just trying to put the ball back. It was very difficult to play.

"She played amazing tennis; very aggressive. I’m so pleased that I was able to somehow - magically - win this match."

The three-time Grand Slam winner dropped her first set of the tournament in the match but believes she has had some "tough battles" in previous rounds as she bids to win a third straight title Down Under.

Sabalenka said: "I had some tough battles. In the second round I was 5-2 in a difficult match.

"Sometimes, it’s good to have these tough battles, to go through it, and to be tougher for the last stages of the tournament.

"I wish that I had won this match in straight sets, but it is what it is. Now I’m in the semis, and I cannot wait to play against Paula (Badosa)."

Sabalenka said before the tournament that she wasn't concerned about chasing down her rival Iga Swiatek's Grand Slam tally of five.

The Belarusian player said: "I love the way we push each other.

"It's not like I'm thinking about her, about her amount of Grand Slams. I'm more focusing on myself, just trying to push myself to the limit and see how far I can get in this sport.

"At the end of my career I want to look back and be proud of myself.

"We'll talk about that at the end of my career."