"She is the best. I hope she returns to the elite": Aryna Sabalenka hopes 'soulmate' Paula Badosa's suffering ends
WTAWednesday, 24 April 2024 at 13:40
World number two Aryna Sabalenka has wished her friend and
fellow tennis player Paula Badosa the best of luck in returning to full fitness.
The former world number two has struggled with injury concerns in the recent
past. It was because of this reason Badosa ended up missing three out of four
Grand Slams in 2023 as well.
Badosa suffered yet another injury concern during the recently
concluded Stuttgart Open where in the round of 16 tied against the reigning
world number two, she was forced to retire in the third set.
Sabalenka, whose close friendship with
the New York-born is known in the world of tennis, has recently been quoted in
a report where she stated her desire to see the 26-year-old returning to full
fitness and winning major silverware in the near future.
“When you find someone you feel is your soulmate, it’s the
best thing that can happen to you,” said the two-time Grand Slam winner. "I
love Paula very much. We have been friends for three or four years, she is an
incredible person.
Paula Badosa has struggled with injury concerns in the recent past.
“It is very important to have friends on the tour, so when
you find someone who you feel is your soulmate, it is the best thing that can
happen to you. She is the best. I hope she returns to the elite, that she stops
suffering with injuries. I am always here for whatever she needs. I am lucky
not to meet her in the first round here in Spain, it would create a very
interesting atmosphere, so I think I'm lucky (laughs).
“We literally had a conversation this morning and I told her
that I dealt with a similar injury. I just told her the things I was doing at
that time, what exercises I could do. I just shared with her my experience and
how I was able to get out of that injury."
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.
mandoist03-09-2026 - From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- I really like Jodar. He’s got a special game. Bad day at the office. Next.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- Wow! Parry had to endure the biggest attitudes (currently active) in the WTA: Vekic, Tauson and Parks.mandoist02-09-2026
- ‘Fils arrived just eight days after winning his maiden Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final, and entered the US Open as one of the players expected to make a deep run.’ Fils defeated Tiafoe in the final not Carlos Alcaraz.DaveyWavey01-09-2026
- Great article!!
AceOfBase31-08-2026
Loading
