Paula Badosa Explains Why She Skipped Doubles with Bestie Aryna Sabalenka at Brisbane International
Paula Badosa recently opened up about her decision to skip playing doubles with her close friend, Aryna Sabalenka, at the Brisbane International. While the duo have a well-known friendship and have played doubles together in the past, Badosa explained that this time, her focus was on her singles campaign and managing her workload as she prepares for the upcoming season.
In a candid interview, Badosa shared that the decision was not an easy one, especially given her strong bond with Sabalenka. However, with the rigorous demands of professional tennis, she felt it was important to prioritize her health and singles competition. Badosa emphasized that maintaining her physical condition and avoiding overexertion was key as she looks to make a strong impact in singles tournaments, especially with the Australian Open just around the corner.
She explained, “It’s always tough to say no to playing doubles, especially with Aryna, because we have so much fun together on the court. But I had to make a tough decision to put my body first and make sure I’m in the best shape for the singles competition this season.”
Badosa’s decision reflects a growing trend among top players who are increasingly mindful of managing their schedules to avoid burnout and injury. While she and Sabalenka have enjoyed success in doubles in the past, including their fun and energetic partnership on the court, Badosa’s focus on her singles game has become a key priority as she aims to break through at major tournaments.
Despite not competing in doubles at the Brisbane International, Badosa reassured fans that her friendship with Sabalenka remains as strong as ever. She expressed excitement about supporting Sabalenka from the sidelines and hinted that there might be more opportunities for them to team up again in the future.
As both players continue their respective campaigns at the Brisbane International, Badosa’s decision to step back from doubles underscores the tough choices athletes often have to make in balancing performance, health, and long-term career goals. Fans will be eager to see how this strategic decision impacts her singles performance as she gears up for the 2025 season.
