Paula Badosa revealed Aryna Sabalenka was the only player she followed during the 2023 Australian Open as she was very happy for her best friend’s success in Melbourne. Sabalenka, 24, became a Grand Slam champion after beating Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
Due to a thigh injury sustained at the Adelaide International 2, Badosa was forced to skip the Australian Open. Badosa was devastated over missing the Australian Open and she didn’t really have much will to follow the opening Grand Slam of the season.
“To be honest, [Aryna Sabalenka] was the only player I was following in Australia because I was injured and it was tough for me to see. Right after she won, I text her and I was very happy for her, because I know how much it mean and how much she struggled last year,” Badosa said.
Sabalenka beat her bestie Badosa
On Friday, Sabalenka recovered from a set and a break down to beat Badosa 4-6 6-4 6-4 in the Stuttgart quarterfinal. During the match, Sabalenka was trying to keep it as respectful as possible since Badosa is her best friend on the Tour.
“There were some moments on court where I was about to scream ‘come on’ then I was like ‘I don’t know, should I or not. She’s my friend, she’ll be thinking I’m stupid,” Sabalenka said after beating Badosa.
Aryba…
