Paula Badosa will face Aryna Sabalenka in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix quarter-final and their friendship will be paused during the duration of the match.
Badosa and Sabalenka are good friends off the court and have also shared the court together in the doubles. They will face each other on Friday in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix quarter-final and there won't be much friendly sentiment during that time. Speaking about the match, Badosa confirmed it's going to be a battle:
"I have a very good relationship with a lot of them, and we put aside [our friendships when we play]. In that moment we are very competitive. I think Aryna is the same. In that moment we are not friends. When the last ball finishes, then we are gonna be friends again."
On the matchup specifically Badosa said:
"Every time we play each other, it's a battle. It's very tough. [Aryna Sabalenka]'s playing unbelievable this year, to be honest. Being very aggressive, serving very well, returning amazing, very intense. I think I just have to be there every point, be very competitive, try to be more aggressive than her, going before her the shots, and yeah, take the opportunity if I have it."
Paula Badosa on facing Aryna Sabalenka in Stuttgart: “I think she’s playing unbelievable this year. She’s a very tough opponent, 1 of the best in the world. I like these kind of challenges, I know it’s gonna be a big 1 tomorrow. I’m ready for it… I hope she misses a lot”😂
