Aryna Sabalenka's personal tragedy continues to reverberate in Miami and far beyond. Her boyfriend died by suicide a few days ago which sent shock waves through the tennis world. Because of the lack of quite a few details about what happened, her best friend
Paula Badosa's press conference was therefore highly anticipated.
First of all, we should mention that Paula Badosa won her match. She defeated Simona Halep in three sets. Defying fate, she will therefore face off in the next round against.. Aryna Sabalenka, who seems intent on not withdrawing from the
Miami Open. Paula Badosa said of that match: "It's a very tough situation. At the same point playing against her, it's also uncomfortable."
Sabalenka's Spanish friend further explained that she promised Aryna not to speak to the press about what happened . Kudos to her for doing so. The assembled press was thus left hungry, but was told that Badosa spoke to her Belarussian friend twice already at length over the last 2 days. She said she knew what happened: "I know the entire situation. 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."
It is to Paula Badosa's credit to speak about what happened in this way, and to protect her friend.
Meanwhile the tragedy in Sabalenka's personal life will occupy the tennis press for days to come while in between, both friends will cross swords in their next match. One simply cannot make so much drama up.
Editor's Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please open up about it to family and friends or call the right instances.