Aryna Sabalenka, a dominant force in women’s tennis with three Grand Slam titles, is on a mission to secure her fourth at the Australian Open 2025. The World No. 1, aiming for her third consecutive title in Melbourne, has made a stellar run to the semi-finals. Here, she faces World No. 12 Paula Badosa, who pulled off a stunning upset by defeating American standout Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals.
But beyond the fierce competition, Sabalenka and Badosa share a unique and heartwarming bond of friendship that has grown over the years. As they prepare to face each other, let’s explore the timeline of their remarkable camaraderie.
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa friendship: A bond beyond competition
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa’s friendship goes beyond the typical pleasantries shared among tennis professionals. The duo has frequently expressed admiration and affection for one another, with Sabalenka referring to Badosa as her “soulmate” during a tournament in Stuttgart last year. "I love Paula very much," Sabalenka once said, emphasizing the importance of having close friends on the grueling tennis circuit.
Their friendship blossomed over time through shared practice sessions, social media interactions, and even coordinated outfits during the 2024 US Open.
Badosa, reflecting on their bond, mentioned, "We realized that we had very similar personalities and we get along very well. It’s very nice for me having a friend on tour because it’s very tough to find."
Friendship Put on Hold
However, as the two prepare for their high-stakes encounter at the Rod Laver Arena, their friendship will temporarily take a back seat.
Sabalenka acknowledged the emotional difficulty of playing against a close friend, saying, "It’s tough to play your best friend." Badosa echoed similar sentiments, explaining, "We decided a long time ago that off the court we are friends, while on the court, she really wants to win, and I really want to win."
Despite their close relationship, Sabalenka has historically dominated their head-to-head matches, winning six of their eight encounters. But with Badosa recovering impressively from a back injury and reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final, this showdown promises to be one of their most thrilling battles yet.
As the two step onto the court, fans will witness not only a clash of tennis skills but also the spirit of sportsmanship and respect that defines their enduring friendship.