Aryna Sabalenka says she wants to make history by setting up an all-Belarusian clash against Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open final.
Two-time winner Azarenka takes on Kazakh Wimbledon champion Elina Rybakina in the first semi-final on Thursday.
Fifth seed Sabalenka will next face Poland’s Magda Linnet in the second.
However, two Belarusians competing for a Grand Slam title will likely lead to further discussion of the divisive political issue in the sport.
Belarusian athletes have been banned by several sports governing bodies for the country’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sabalenka previously said that “nobody supports war”, adding that she was “really disappointed” politics had interfered with the game after Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon last year.
Speaking about the prospect of facing Azarenka in the Melbourne final, Sabalenka said: “It will be history and it will be incredible.
“I really want it to happen. I know Vika will do everything she can to make it happen. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”
Former world number one Azarenka, who is bidding for a third Melbourne title 10 years after her last win, meets 22nd seed Rybakina at 08:30 GMT.
Sabalenka – who has lost all three of her previous Grand Slam semifinals – is the favorite to beat the 30-year-old unseeded Linnett, who has never advanced past the third round of a major.
