Sabalenka Supports Badosa After Madrid Open Loss

In a heartfelt display of camaraderie, Aryna Sabalenka has publicly offered her support to fellow tennis player Paula Badosa after Badosa's disappointing exit from the Madrid Open. The two athletes, who have shared a close friendship on the WTA tour, have both reached the top five in the world rankings at various points in their careers, but their paths have diverged recently, with Sabalenka maintaining her position near the top while Badosa struggles with form and injuries.

Badosa faced Julia Grabher in the first round of the Madrid Open, where she had two set points in the opening set but ultimately lost in a tie-break. Although she managed to take the second set, Grabher dominated the final set, resulting in a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-0 defeat for Badosa. This match marked a significant low for Badosa, as it was the first time she lost a set 6-0 in a WTA main draw match.

Sabalenka, who has yet to play her first match as a seed in the tournament, took the time to check in on Badosa during her pre-tournament media obligations. "We just talked right now, in the locker room, and she knows I’m here for her whenever she needs it," Sabalenka stated. She expressed her commitment to being there for Badosa, emphasizing the importance of friendship in the sport. "I always try to help her as much as I can, I give her advice, but I also like to give her time. She knows that whenever she asks me for something, I will be there."

Sabalenka also shared her hopes for Badosa's future, stating, "I hope she returns to the top because I feel that it is where she should be, where she belongs. I always wish her the best." Badosa's current ranking has dropped her outside the top 100, making her path to the upcoming French Open more challenging. With the entry list for Roland Garros finalized, Badosa finds herself at No. 106, just shy of direct entry into the main draw. This situation may force her to rely on withdrawals or compete in qualifying rounds for the first time since 2019.

Looking ahead, Badosa's next event is the Italian Open, where she will also need to navigate qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the main draw. As she faces these challenges, the support from friends like Sabalenka will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her journey back to form.