Aryna Sabalenka calls Paula Badosa her ‘soulmate’ explaining how the two keep their rivalry aside to remain the best friends on Tour 

In a recent interview, Sabalenka spoke highly about her close friendship with Paula Badosa.

Aryna Sabalenka calls Paula Badosa her ‘soulmate’ explaining how the two keep their rivalry aside to remain the best friends on Tour 

Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka (Via Tennis.com)

In the highly heated world of tennis, which is dominated by ongoing rivalries among players, some players become the best of friends with their rivals. Fans have witnessed the brotherly bond between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in spite of their huge rivalry. Such as in this case for WTA number one Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa.

The relationship between Sabalenka and Badosa lies beyond the tennis court, as they have become very close to each other and support each other through thick or thin. The World No. 1 genuinely spoke about the bond she shares with the Spaniard. The Belarusian reveals the professionalism in their bond where the players turn off their friendship while playing against each other, but after the match, they are back to being friends despite the result. 

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“ It doesn’t happen very often that you can find your soulmate on the circuit because we compete against each other. But we had this deal… on the court we are opponents, we can shout whatever we want, but off the court, we are friends again,” revealed Sabalenka, in the post by ‘The Tennis Letter’ on X. “ You da best,” reacted Paula to the heartfelt tweet. 

Sabalenka, too, reacted on this comment by Badosa saying, “Love u girl,” followed by three heart emoticons.

Related: Paula Badosa confirms Mixed Doubles plan with Stefanos Tsitsipas for the 2024 Australian Open, gives an injury update

Aryna Sabalenka reveals the importance of having Paula by her side

In a recent interview, Aryna spoke highly about her close friendship with Paula Badosa. She mentioned the professionalism they show during matches and immediately switched it off after a game. “We can take a day, depending on who wins, to accept the fact that one of us lost, but then we become friends again. It’s hard, & I’m super happy to have her. She is a very nice girl & having her by my side is very important to me,” said Sabalenka. (H/T: puntodebreak)

Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka
Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka (Via Tennis.com)

The unique relationship of both players exemplifies the beauty of sportsmanship and friendship within the world of tennis. Now, Paula is still out of the game due to an injury, but her friend Aryna Sabalenka has taken over the women’s league and is leading as number 1. She is now prepared for her 2023 China Open match against Katie Boulter on Tuesday. Sabalenka and Badosa continue to pursue their individual goals and set a reminder for everyone that even rivals can be each other’s biggest supporters. Fans would love to see the two team up in a Women’s doubles but only time will tell what is running in the minds of two friends.

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