Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Shares Wholesome Wish for Her Struggling ‘Soulmate’ Paula Badosa Amid Crushing Injury Setback

Paula Badosa has struggled with frequent injuries over the past few years. These stops and starts have stopped her from building any sort of momentum resulting in a massive drop in her rankings. The former world number 2 is currently placed at 101 in the women’s singles rankings. Just a few days ago, she was forced to retire from a match against her close friend, Aryna Sabalenka, due to a left leg injury at the Stuttgart Open. Sabalenka is all set to start her campaign in Madrid. And as things stand, Badosa will be playing in the upcoming Madrid Open.

What does Aryna Sabalenka think about Paula Badosa’s injury and her comeback? Recently, the Belarusian tennis beauty gave an interview to Punto de Break. During the interview, Sabalenka said, “I love Paula very much. We have been friends for three or four years. She is an incredible person. It is very important to have friends on the circuit. 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.” She further went on to wish her a quick comeback on the tour.

“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),” Sabalenka said. Just a few days ago, Badosa made a heartbreaking revelation. She spoke about her injury concerns surrounding the spinal stress fracture which she got a year ago. During the 2024 Indian Wells, Badosa revealed that the doctors had informed her that it would be really complicated for her to continue her tennis career.

The doctors told her that she had to take cortisone injections continuously if she wanted to play for a few more years. She was even advised to limit her hard court appearances in order to reduce her constant suffering from injuries. Surely, no athlete will ever want to hear this in their life. Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa have been friends for quite some time now. Even Aryna Sabalenka had suffered from a similar injury which took her out of action for quite some time in the past. What advice does she have for the Spaniard to fight these battles off the court?

“I dealt with a similar injury” – Aryna Sabalenka’s advice to her ‘soulmate’, Paula Badosa

During the interview, Aryna Sabalenka was asked about the one piece of advice that she would love to give to Paula Badosa to fight her injuries. In reply, Sabalenka said, “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.“

She further went on to add, “I just shared with her my experience. And how I was able to get out of that injury.”

Aryna Sabalenka has already faced Paula Badosa two times this year. She currently had a lead of 4-2 in the H2H over the Spaniard. Will the fans yet again the two friends get to meet each other on the courts this year?