“A year ago I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport,” said Badosa, who reached a career-high two in the world in 2022.
She is projected to get back in the top 10 after Melbourne.
Poland’s Swiatek has been the dominant force in the women’s draw so far, matching her previous best Australian Open run from 2022, when she lost to Danielle Collins in the last four.
The world number two has dropped only 14 games so far in her five matches — seven of those in her first-round clash.
She has exuded an air of calmness and confidence as she aims not only to win a maiden Australian Open title but also retake the number one ranking from Sabalenka.
If the Belarusian fails to make the final, Swiatek will again rise to the top.
Should Swiatek and Sabalenka meet in the final, the winner would leave Australia with the number one ranking.
Swiatek must first get past 19th seed Keys.
The American is into the Melbourne semi-finals for the third time, 10 years after her first, and on a career-best 10-match win streak after clinching the Adelaide title this month.
“Madison is a great player and experienced so you never know,” Swiatek said.
“It will be tricky, I will just be focused on myself. She has already played a good tournament here and we are well aware of how she can play.”
The 29-year-old Keys says she is a “smarter” player than the one who lost the semi-final in 2015 to eventual champion Serena Williams.
She added: “Probably a little bit less fearless though, but to be here 10 years later in the semi-finals again, I’m really proud of myself.”
© 2025 AFP