World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka recently opened up about consistently backing her close friend Paula Badosa on tour. The Spaniard is navigating a difficult phase, struggling with injuries and inconsistent form, highlighted by a first-round exit in Madrid. Sabalenka expressed her desire to see Badosa regain her rhythm and return to the top of the game.
Aryna Sabalenka Backs Paula Badosa With Inspiring Message Before Cheering Her On at Madrid Open
Persistent injury concerns have been the biggest obstacle for Paula Badosa in recent months, disrupting her rhythm and form on tour. The Spaniard holds a 9–12 win-loss record this season. Her difficult run continued in Madrid, where she suffered a tough first-round defeat to Julia Grabher, falling 6–7(3), 6–4, 0–6.
Amid the challenging phase, Aryna Sabalenka’s support has remained a strong source of encouragement for her close friend Paula Badosa. Also in Madrid, the World No. 1 highlighted her support for the Spaniard during her pre-tournament press conference, emphasizing the importance of standing by her and mentoring her when needed.
“We just spoke in the locker room, and she knows I’m always there for her whenever she needs me. We’re going out to dinner tonight and we’ll talk a lot more. I always try to help her as much as I can, I give her advice, but I also like to give her her own space. She knows that whenever she asks me for something, I’ll be there, and I hope she gets back to the top because I feel that’s where she should be, where she belongs. I always wish her the best,” she said.
Moreover, the four-time Grand Slam champion was also courtside for Badosa’s first-round match, offering her support alongside her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, founder of Oakberry.
Badosa and Sabalenka’s close bond has long been evident, with the duo often seen spending time together at tournaments and sharing light-hearted moments. Moreover, ahead of the tournament at La Caja Mágica, Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa fine-tuned their preparations side by side on the practice courts.
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However, their on-court chemistry extends beyond training, with the duo also teaming up in doubles earlier this season in Brisbane, where they secured a notable win over Liudmila Samsonova and Zhang Shuai before withdrawing ahead of the quarterfinals.
While Paula Badosa endured a disappointing run in Madrid, Aryna Sabalenka arrives with momentum, aiming for a third consecutive WTA 1000 title after completing the Sunshine Double.
