“I’m not going to talk about it,” Paula Badosa pledges silence on best friend Aryna Sabalenka’s personal tragedy before their R2 clash in Miami

Paula Badosa defeated Simona Halep in the first round to set up her second round clash against Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami Open.

“I’m not going to talk about it,” Paula Badosa pledges silence on best friend Aryna Sabalenka’s personal tragedy before their R2 clash in Miami

Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka (Images via IMAGO)

The tennis world continues to mourn the demise of Aryna Sabalenka‘s boyfriend, Konstantin Kolstov. The former ice hockey player sadly passed away on 18th March in Miami, sending shockwaves in the sporting world. Many from the tennis fraternity have now started to react to the situation, one being Sabalenka’s best friend, Paula Badosa.

The couple was in Miami as the WTA World No. 2 was scheduled to play the 2024 Miami Open. Post the tragic incident, while many expected the current Australian Open winner to withdraw from the event, she has made no such call yet.

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Sabalenka was seen practicing later in the day in preparation for the tournament. Being the second seed, she has been given a bye in the first round and she’ll start her campaign in the second round. Following Paula Badosa‘s win over Simona Halep in the qualifiers, the Spaniard will now clash with her best friend in the round of 64.

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With rumors floating about Kolstov committing suicide, there’s no official confirmation yet. Amid all of this, Badosa was asked to comment on the tragedy. However, the Spaniard refused to make any comment on the entire case and has vowed to maintain her silence and respect Sabalenka’s privacy in this terrible time.

The former World No. 2 revealed having spoken at length with Sabalenka after the news broke out. She admitted that it was quite shocking for her, so to think about what her best friend might be going through is very difficult. 

I mean, I don't want to talk about it. But of course. As I said before, she's one of my best friends. Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she's going through. I know the entire situation, what is happening. That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she's my best friend and I don't want her to suffer.
Badosa speaking with the press after her first win in Miami 
It's a very tough situation. At the same point playing against her, it's also uncomfortable. Yeah, but I don't really want to talk about it because I said I'm not going to talk about it. She's my best friend, and I promised that. I'm going to stay like this. Sorry.
Added the Spaniard.

Paula Badosa makes a good comeback to defeat Simona Halep

Badosa had previously made a last-minute withdrawal from the 2024 Indian Wells Open due to a back injury. As for Halep, she was cleared to play immediately after CAS reduced her doping punishment.

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa (Image via IMAGO)

With many expecting it to be a good clash, the two players sure delivered it. The Romanian raced to a 6-1 first-set win and was highly dominating. However, Badosa kept her calm and built her game slowly to split the match by winning the second set.

Halep’s lack of match practice reflected in the third set as her 19-month absence took a toll. She was seen wrapping her towel on her head in the third set as the Spaniard tired her out. It made things easier for the former World No. 2 who eventually won the match 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 after 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Badosa and Sabalenka will now clash in the second round on 22nd March. As of now, the two-time Grand Slam singles title winner has committed to play the event. Nonetheless, the possibility of Sabalenka withdrawing remains given the tragic loss she has suffered.

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