Aryna Sabalenka Misses out But Paula Badosa Earns Cheeky 2-Word Praise from WTA Best Friend for Australian Open Heroics

Paula Badosa is on a mission to restore her formidable status on the tour. Just months after serious injuries threatened her career, Badosa reversed those speculations in her favor. She has reached her maiden semifinals of a Major at the Australian Open, prompting her BFFs to congratulate her. All except one.

During the 2023 season, the Spanish star sustained a stress fracture in her back, leaving her in immense pain and uncertain about the future. Though the cortisone injections numbed the inflammation and allowed her to return to her tour, her poignant comeback journey welcomed success just last year when she lifted her first title in two years at the Citi Open. Fast forward to 2025, Badosa is physically healthy and wants all the smoke. She made a sensational comeback at the ‘Happy Slam’.

Badosa arrived for the season-opening Slam and dropped only one set on her way to the quarterfinals where American Coco Gauff waited for their rematch. Though Badosa lost both their meetings in 2024, she brilliantly held her nerve against the former US Open champion as she defeated her in straight sets at the Rod Laver Arena. Upon registering a victory over one of the title favorites, the 27-year-old received a kind word from her close friend Ons Jabuer but, unfortunately, her BFF Aryna Sabalenka failed to record something similar.

In a post on Instagram, Badosa uploaded a string of photos to mark her QF win against Gauff in Melbourne. Ranking on the top of star players’ comments, Tunisian Jabuer wrote: “Bravo chica”. However, the post did not showcase any congratulatory comments from Sabalenka, who also happens to be her slated opponent for the semifinals.

For those unaware, the Belarusian and Badosa have developed a special bond with each other since their first meeting at an exhibition event years ago. It’s likely that the World No. 1 hasn’t commented on her BFF’s impressive feat yet, owing to her recent quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Badosa, in the meantime, reflected on her performance against Gauff.

Paula Badosa remarks on her ‘improved self’ following Australian Open semifinal entry

Spanish superstar Paula Badosa reached her first-ever semifinal of a Grand Slam just 12 months after she feared her WTA journey would near end amid injury disaster. The former World No. 2, who fell outside the top 100 due to rising physical struggles, has yet again showcased why she deserves to stay in the big leagues.

Following her impressive win at Melbourne Park, Badosa addressed the fans during an on-court interview saying: “I’m a bit emotional – as you know, I’m a very emotional person. I’ve been through a lot. I was in the past one of the best players in the world but I think now I’m a better player. A year ago I was here with my back and I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport. Now I’m here playing against the best in the world. I won today, I’m in the semi-finals. This is a dream come true.”

For now, Badosa will keep all hands on deck as she prepares to square off against her close friend and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the title decider on Thursday, January 23.