We all know about the cutthroat nature of the women’s tennis world, right? From fierce competitors to ruthless demeanor, tennis fans have witnessed it all over the years. What if someone finds a person similar to her? Having the same kind of mindset, the same thoughts on different topics, getting the chance to talk and have fun with her in the middle of all the chaos. Sounds quite unrealistic, right? Well, those who have doubts over the existence of such bondings in women’s tennis must take a look at ‘Sabadosa.’ Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa were yet again caught having a cheeky banter with each other on social media. They’re surely loving their time in the US!

Recently we heard, Sabalenka say that she’s “super happy” to see Badosa play so well in the North American hardcourt swing. There have been moments where we’ve seen them support and uplift each other in times of need. Over time, their bond has only grown stronger. They have come to know and understand each other on a deeper level, and perhaps this has led to a shift from what they might call ‘soulmates’ to ‘copycats.’ Time and again we’ve seen them say how “similar” are they to each other. For example, almost a week ago, we saw Badosa seem to be a bit amused seeing Sabalenka unintentionally copying her signature victory pose during a media interaction.

As soon as the clip was posted on social media, the Spaniard rushed in to ask her, “Can you stop copying me?” through an IG story. Sabalenka then came up with a hilarious reply, saying, “How can I?” Fans love seeing these funny banters in between the two. To please their fans further, they recently came up with more cheeky banter.

Seeing Sabalenka donning a similar red and black Nike sportswear, Badosa was yet again like, “Can you stop copying me all the time?” In reply, the Belarusian tennis star couldn’t hold her laughter and she put up a similar IG story claiming, “Ahahah I was the first one to wear this outfit.”

Even Paula Badosa once spoke about their similar personalities and how well they get along despite their competitive nature. How difficult do they think it is to find such a kindred ‘soulmate’ on the WTA Tour?

“It’s very difficult” – Aryna Sabalenka feels lucky to have someone like Paula Badosa in her life

Aryna Sabalenka stood like a solid pillar of support when Paula Badosa was down both physically and mentally. She ensured her ‘soulmate’ didn’t feel lonely on the rough terrains. In December 2023, we heard Badosa say, “Being by her (Saba’s) side I always say I learn a lot from her. She inspires me. And I can get to say she’s my closest friend so it’s very nice to share the court with her.” Now, we have witnessed why she highly rates her close bond with Sabalenka. However, it’s not easy to find peace on the shoulders of others in a highly competitive world!

Reflecting on how to manage things on and off the court and still build a strong friendship with each other, Aryna Sabalenka once admitted, “It is very difficult. It doesn’t happen very often that you can find your soulmate on the circuit because we compete against each other.” She further revealed how she had a deal with Badosa. According to that deal, Sabalenka says, “On the court we are opponents, we can shout whatever we want, but off the court, we are friends again.”

She feels it’s hard to build this unique bond with a peer, but at the same time, she’s “super happy” to have Paula Badosa by her side. The Spaniard has now become an “important” element in her life. Both of them are currently in NY taking part in the 2024 US Open. They’ve met each other seven times in their careers, with Sabalenka lead in by a 5-2 margin. Do you think the in-form Badosa can pull one back if they cross roads in the last major of 2024?