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The Wimbledon 2024 seems to be fostering new friendships among players. Emma Raducanu, who is finally gaining the same old levels of comfort on the courts, appears to have found a new companion in Paula Badosa. Although the Spaniard used to spend most of her time with a different ‘girl gang‘, it is just her and the Briton in the limelight as of now.

Emma Raducanu recently showed a different kind of growth on Tour with an intriguing update on Instagram. She shared a story that included a glimpse of her preparations for Wimbledon, accompanied by Paula Badosa. In the picture that shows both Raducanu and Badosa are all smiles, the Briton included a caption that said, “Paulita & Emmita 🤣🫶.” The unique set of nicknames remarks the budding friendship between the British and Spanish WTA stars.

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Both Raducanu and Badosa are wholeheartedly supporting each other in their endeavors. Just a few days ago, Raducanu showed great signs of recovery by defeating the world No. 5 Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne. While the Briton expressed her excitement with an Instagram post, her new friend Badosa left her mark by commenting, “Emmita Emmita.”

While the Spaniard nurtures her bond with Raducanu, her ‘soulmate’ Aryna Sabalenka is living it up with Ons Jabeur. Dressed in all white to prepare for the upcoming Wimbledon together, a video shared by the tournament’s official social media on June 28 solidified their growing bond. Both Sabalenka and Jabeur can be seen unleashing their dance moves. “When you and your friend match the same energy,” the caption read.

Along with sharing good times together, Sabalenka and Jabeur also had to go through similar setbacks. Both retired mid-match during their quarterfinals in Berlin due to a shoulder issue and illness, respectively. However, they recovered in time for the major, where Jabeur had previously reached the finals in 2022 and 2023, and Sabalenka made it to the semifinals in 2021 and 2023.

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Besides these growing friendships, it seems like the duo of Raducanu and Katie Boulter also share a sense of mutual respect.

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter hype each other in Eastbourne

Emma Raducanu’s Instagram post that came after her win over Jessica Pegula didn’t just attract the attention of Paula Badosa. Her compatriot Katie Boulter also came forward to drop a comment on the picture just to congratulate her and pat her back for the massive win. “Queeeeeen ,” she wrote, as Raducanu can be seen wearing a smile as her crown.

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However, Raducanu doesn’t ignore the hands extended for friendship. When Katie Boulter shared a post after her victory over Jelena Ostapenko, she decided to delve into the city’s beauty. “Eastbourne you are beautiful. QFs tomorrow,” the WTA star wrote. Paying attention to Boulter’s beauty and not that of the city, Raducanu wrote, “So r uuuu.”

It is time for the players to begin their respective runs for Wimbledon. While WTA stars seem to be going in as friendly pairs, there’s no doubt that the tournament will be stuffed up with emotions and action as they set aside friendship for rivalry.