Sabalenka on Pavlyuchenkova: "She played incredible tennis, she was very aggressive"

Aryna Sabalenka has suffered. The world number 1, two-time title-holder in Melbourne, will play in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The Belarusian conceded her first set of the tournament to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, but finally had the last word despite falling behind in the final set (6-2, 2-6, 6-3).

On court moments after her victory, Sabalenka shared her first impressions of the hard-fought win.

"Honestly, I was just praying. I wanted to get the ball back on court as much as possible in these very difficult conditions.

It really wasn't easy. She played incredible tennis and was very aggressive. I'm really happy to have won this match.

Sometimes it's a good thing to have to battle and raise your game in the last part of the tournament.

I would have preferred to win in two sets, but I'm happy to have qualified," said Sabalenka, who will face her friend Paula Badosa, who beat Coco Gauff.

The Belarusian will take to the court with the ambition of playing in her third consecutive Australian Major final.