While Aryna Sabalenka wrapped up her tennis season as World No. 1, she and the WTA stars are having a blast at the World Tennis League (WTL) in Abu Dhabi! This exciting event features players from both the WTA and ATP competing in four mixed teams, showcasing top talents like Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa, Elena Rybakina, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud. It’s all fun and games until you find yourself facing off against a friend on the court!

On Friday, the Hawks team, featuring Jordan Thompson, Aryna Sabalenka, Sumit Nagal, and Mirra Andreeva, triumphed over the Eagles with a score of 21-14, showcasing their readiness for fierce competition. Paula Badosa, playing for the Eagles alongside Tsitsipas, Swiatek, and Alexander Shevchenko, shared her thoughts on not teaming up with Sabalenka in the post-match interview, “It’s tricky to play against a friend so this time we had a challenge again. We are on separate teams, so I had to face her, and she crushed me. Now I just have to accept it.”

Sabalenka revealed a little tidbit about their friendship as she laughed, “Yeah…I’m a terrible friend; I just have to say that. I was just showing off my Spanish skills, come on! It’s your fault you have to teach me better stuff than ‘p***’ (Spanish swear word)” Clearly, both players hold no hard feelings about their matches against each other.

The duo met during an exhibition match a few years ago and quickly became close friends and traveling confidants, earning the affectionate nickname “Sabadosa” from their fans. Earlier this year in Stuttgart, Sabalenka even referred to Badosa as her platonic “soulmate” during a press conference. Additionally, they frequently showcase their friendship both on and off the court through social media interactions!

Sabalenka expresses her awe-struck feelings for her friend on Instagram

Last month, Paula Badosa and her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, enjoyed a refreshing getaway in Iceland, embracing the stunning snowy landscapes that Badosa shared glimpses of on Instagram. She captioned the post, “Lost in the endless white 🤍.” She praised Tsitsipas’s photography skills as well, calling him her “favorite photographer.” But their romantic moment was sweetened by a comment from Sabalenka, who chimed in with “Cutiee.”

Earlier this year, Badosa reflected on her friendship with Sabalenka during an appearance on the Inside-In podcast. She noted their similar personalities and competitive spirits, saying, “We realized that we had very similar personalities. We get along very well, and we’re both very, very competitive. But at the same time, we know how to separate things.”

Their bond continues to thrive despite the challenges of professional tennis. Sabalenka acknowledged their connection during a press conference in Stuttgart, stating, “I love Paula [Badosa] 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.”

Sabalenka and Badosa’s friendship is a testimony to the fact that the players may look fierce and competitive on the court, but they can have a bond off the court. And that’s how it should be.