"Nice to see especially for the next generation, that you don’t need to be enemies": Paula Badosa discusses Anisimova and Sabalenka friendship

Paula Badosa advanced to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Zarina Diyas, but it wasn’t just her on-court form making headlines. The Spaniard also gave fans a glimpse of her off-court personality, highlighting her enduring friendships with Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova.

Reflecting on her first-round win, Badosa said, “I’m happy with the match. A win is a win, and especially in the first rounds of a Grand Slam, it’s never easy. She was a tricky opponent. I didn’t know her much, so I’m happy that I played my best, especially in the important moments. That’s when it matters.”

The 25-year-old has battled injuries over the past few years, particularly issues with her back, which she described as an ever-present challenge. “Sometimes it’s not under my control, and I just have to accept it,” Badosa explained. “But the rest, when it’s under my control, I try to do at 100%. I try to do the recovery the best I can. I try to do the prevention also… If I get injured again, it’s normally in the same spots I always struggle with. Sometimes it’s not under my control. That’s the tough part.”

Despite the challenges, Badosa says she’s feeling strong and fit after an intensive two-and-a-half-month preseason focused on fitness, recovery, and physiotherapy. “I’ve been training and working harder than ever… I think my body is now pretty good. It’s feeling good. And I think that’s the way.”

But it was her off-court interactions that captured the attention of many. Badosa recently filmed a TikTok with Sabalenka and Anisimova in Brisbane, and she was candid about the dynamics of competing at the highest level while maintaining close friendships.

“We’ve always had a great relationship. It doesn’t matter if she’s number one or number 20 or whatever,” she said of Sabalenka. “I think we have a very similar personality in that sense, and I appreciate that she didn’t change. It’s nice that we can enjoy time on and off court, and that we have fun.”

Badosa added that the spontaneity of the TikTok reflected the natural ease of their friendship. “No, it was just very natural. She was around, we were thinking about doing it, and she joined. She’s a great girl also. We’ve had a good relationship for a long time, so why not?”

The Spaniard believes these friendships also send a positive message to the next generation of players. “I think it’s something that’s not very common to see three of the best tennis players in the world doing that kind of thing. It’s nice to see, especially for the next generation, that you don’t need to be enemies. At the same time, you can do this kind of stuff and then be 100% competitive on court.”

She also sees the benefits of camaraderie in the locker room. “The last years have changed a lot in that sense. I try to have a good relationship with many players, and I think I achieve that. It’s nice to have a good environment around. We spend so many hours together, and I think that has changed in the past years with WTA players. I think it’s a good sign.”

As for her preparation moving forward, Badosa emphasized her focus on strength and fitness. “I think a little bit, or that’s what I’m going to try, is to be the strongest and the fittest I can. That was the goal in preseason, and I put all my energy there.”