"She's gonna be back at the top very soon": Aryna Sabalenka lauds best friend Paula Badosa after Roland Garros battle
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka surged past her best friend, Paula Badosa in a 7-5, 6-1 win for the Belarusian to reach the fourth round of the 2024 French Open. At times she was troubled by the Spaniard who has shown as of late that she certainly does have the form to return to her best.
A point that Sabalenka made herself after completing her win that she will be back. Also she tapped into the toughness of playing someone who is a close friend and how they separate it. She said that she just has to focus on herself in those situations.
“It’s tough to play your best friend. She’s an incredible player coming back after injury. She’s gonna be back at the top very soon. It’s very tough," said Sabalenka.
"But we know how to separate things. On court we’re opponents. I’m trying not to watch on the other side. I’m just trying to focus on myself and bring my best game. It’s tough matches against her."
"Today was a day when I wasn't thinking that much," Sabalenka said. "I was just feeling the game and trusting myself and going for all those shots."
Next up for Sabalenka will be another tough examination with the World Number Two having it tough in order to reach the latter stages of the French Open. She will face either Madison Keys who has been fantastic as of late or Emma Navarro. It is a match too with a huge caveat with Navarro losing her spot finally for the Olympic Games if she loses.
She has been in the spots for so long but Danielle Collins emerging has ousted her and Keys if she loses could give her a helping hand. But given the form of Keys as of late, she will be the favourite and could give Sabalenka a real test.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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