Aryna
Sabalenka and Paula Badosa are set to face off in the third round of the French
Open. The well-known friendship between the Belarusian and the Spaniard adds an
extra layer of intrigue to their matches, with Sabalenka currently leading
their head-to-head 4-2.
The
two-time Australian Open champion commented in a press conference that the days
of "intense and crazy" rivalries are behind them. Sabalenka
acknowledged that playing against a close friend like Badosa presents an
additional challenge, but both will give their all for the victory.
Sabalenka highlights good relationship between the top players
This will
be the third meeting between Badosa and Sabalenka this year. The first occurred
in the second round of the Miami Open, just days after the death of Sabalenka's
ex-boyfriend. Sabalenka won 6-4, 6-3, and they left the court with an emotional
hug.
Read also
Less than a month later, they played on the clay at the Stuttgart Open in
a high-tension battle that unfortunately could not finish due to Badosa's
retirement at 3-3 in the third set. "It's
always tough to play your best friend on tour," said Aryna Sabalenka in
the press conference at Roland Garros. "But we know how to separate court
and life. So it's always a great battle. I always enjoy playing against
her."
Sabalenka
mentioned that there is a good relationship among the top players off the
court: "I would say that right now the top 10 players are all good with
each other, and there are no big fights outside of the court," the world
No. 2 said. "It's not like we are best friends, but it's not something
crazy, like intense."
Sabalenka leads the H2H against Badosa 4-2.
Badosa underlines Sabalenka's personality
On the
other hand, Badosa also previewed the third-round duel. The Spaniard has
advanced with solid wins over Katie Boulter and Yulia Putintseva and will seek
to end a four-match losing streak against Sabalenka.
Badosa took the
opportunity to praise her opponent: "She has a big personality, she's a
good girl, always bringing good energy, even on court," said the former
world No. 2. "I think it's going to be fun. Of course, sharing the court
with her after all these results she's achieving is a pleasure for me,"
she added.
Finally,
Badosa mentioned her participation in the mixed doubles main draw alongside her
boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas. They will debut on Friday against specialists Ena
Shibahara and Nathaniel Lammons: "I'm really grateful to have someone like
him by my side. Also, in the next few days, we're going to play mixed doubles,
so sharing the court with him makes it even more special."
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
