"Even with 10 more Slams, she’ll be the same person": Badosa reflects on friendship with Sabalenka following French Open defeat
WTA
Paula
Badosa (No. 139) praised her friend Aryna Sabalenka (No. 2), saying that even
if the Belarusian wins 10 more Grand Slams, she will remain the same honest and
charismatic person. Sabalenka defeated her friend Badosa 7-5, 6-1 to advance to
the fourth round of the French Open.
Despite not
achieving the result she hoped for, Paula Badosa did not hesitate to praise
Sabalenka for her off-court personality. The Spanish player also commented on
how she deals with frustration after a loss and mentioned her upcoming mixed
doubles match with her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Badosa praises Sabalenka despite defeat
Unfortunately
for Badosa, her journey at the French Open ended in the third round. She
secured victories against players having a great 2024, such as 26th seed Katie
Boulter and Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. The former world No. 2 faced
Sabalenka in the third round, but will rise 23 places in the rankings to world
No. 116 after Roland Garros.
It was the
third time this year that she faced her friend Sabalenka, who extended their
head-to-head record to 5-2. Beyond the match, Badosa highlighted Sabalenka's
personality in the press conference: “I think she shows that she's such a
natural, honest person. I think tennis needs players like her. Also, she brings
an amazing game on court, very intense. She's passionate. I think we need
players with this kind of charisma,” Badosa said.
“She’s fun
to watch. Off court, she's a nice person, very genuine, always trying to help.
I think players that are so good in their sport and they’re, like, very normal
and very humble, I think that's the most important and the most inspiring.
That's why I think we have this amazing relationship, because even if she wins
10 more slams, she's going to be the same person,” she added.
“Maybe the toughest part of this sport”
A journalist asked Badosa how she manages to move on quickly after such
a tough game, considering that she is still in the mixed doubles main draw and
had to play a few hours later (although the match was later rescheduled for
Sunday): “How do you manage to turn the page so quickly after such a tough game
like today?” the journalist asked.
“It's part
of tennis. We're used to it. We have been doing it since we were young. It's
not easy, of course, but we are so used to falling and we have to stand up
every single day, and I think that's maybe the toughest part of this sport.
Also, I will try to enjoy it. It's an opportunity. It's a beautiful opportunity also sharing the court with someone you love” Badosa saiPaula
Paula Badosa and Steganos Tsitsipas in 2023
"Also, I just remind myself that last year in this situation I was
on the sofa, watching the tournament on TV. So being here, I'm grateful for
that. Today I had the opportunity to play against one of the best players in
the world on Philippe Chatrier. I think I have to be grateful for that after
what I went through. I will try to turn the page as soon as possible because
it's worth it,” she concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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