“She doesn’t need…,” Paula Badosa explains why she didn’t play doubles with best friend Aryna Sabalenka at Brisbane International

Paula Badosa lost both her singles and doubles at the Brisbane International but Aryna Sabalenka clinched the title.

“She doesn’t need…,” Paula Badosa explains why she didn’t play doubles with best friend Aryna Sabalenka at Brisbane International

Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa (Images via X)

Paula Badosa said Aryna Sabalenka doesn’t need enough match practice to play better in singles. The Spaniard is in Adelaide to kick start her campaign at the Adelaide International 1. Before the tournament, she participated at the Brisbane International and played both singles and doubles.

In singles, the former World No. 2, who was the fourth seed in the tournament, was knocked out after a three-set defeat to Elina Avanesyan. Badosa teamed up with Ons Jabeur in doubles but they failed to go past the second round after defeat to eventual champions Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva. Badosa was asked in the press conference why she chose to pair up with Jabeur.

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Well, we just played doubles, decided to play doubles sometimes when we needed some matches. I think it helps each other. With Ons, I have a great relationship. Also with Aryna if it happens, but I think she doesn’t need a lot of matches right now (smiling). She’s good with that.

Paula Badosa said at the press conference

Badosa also hinted at partnering with Jabeur in more tournaments to work on certain aspects of her game, though she admitted that playing singles is a priority for both of them. The three WTA stars, who are best friends off the court, have often entertained the fans by pulling each other’s legs and other antics.

Aryna Sabalenka wins Brisbane International

Aryna Sabalenka clinched her first title of the season at the Brisbane International. The 26-year-old came back from a set down to beat 21-year-old qualifier Polina Kudermetova on Sunday (January 5). After clinching her second Brisbane International title, Sabalenka is confident of giving her best performance at the Australian Open which is scheduled to start on January 12th.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

I definitely feel my game pretty well. Mentally, physically I’ll be ready to go at the Australian Open. Really happy with the way the week went. Having this trophy going to the Major, it’s really important.

Aryna Sabalenka said

In Melbourne, the World No.1 will be chasing her third consecutive title. If she wins, she will become the first woman to win three Australian Open on the trot since Martina Hingis.

Sabalenka also reached her third consecutive final at the Brisbane International. Last year, she fell to Elena Rybakina who chose to skip the tournament to represent Kazakhstan at the United Cup. The title in Brisbane was Sabalenka’s fourth one Down Under and her 18th career title.