Paula Badosa says what she loves most about Aryna Sabalenka and explains what she’s really like away from the court
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa Aim for Qatar Open Success After Australian Open Showdown
Close friends Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa are back in action at the Qatar Open, just weeks after facing off in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Badosa, who achieved her best-ever Grand Slam finish in Melbourne, defeated Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals but fell short against World No. 1 Sabalenka, losing in straight sets. Sabalenka then went on to contest the Australian Open final but suffered a narrow defeat to Madison Keys.
Badosa struggled to maintain momentum post-Melbourne, exiting in the round of 16 at the Abu Dhabi Open after a loss to Linda Noskova. Meanwhile, Sabalenka, already a 2025 champion after winning the Brisbane International, enters the Qatar Open as the top seed with a bye into the round of 32.
Badosa Praises Sabalenka’s Strength and Character
Speaking on Tennis For Everyone with Pavel Kisly, Badosa expressed deep admiration for Sabalenka, describing her as both a fierce competitor and a compassionate person:
“She is a woman with a very big heart, very kind and sweet, but what I love the most about her is that she has such a strong character, a big personality, and is a big fighter. She inspires me as a strong woman.”
“She has been through a lot and always finds a way. In tough moments, she gains even more strength. On court and off court, she is like a teddy bear but also a tiger—a combination I relate to. It is very inspiring to see her.”
Sabalenka and Badosa’s Career Titles and Rankings
Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 1, has secured 18 WTA Tour titles, including three Grand Slam victories:
- 2023 Australian Open – defeated Elena Rybakina (4–6, 6–3, 6–4)
- 2024 Australian Open – defeated Zheng Qinwen (6–3, 6–2)
- 2024 US Open – defeated Jessica Pegula (7–5, 7–5)
She also reached two other Grand Slam finals, losing to Coco Gauff at the 2023 US Open and Madison Keys at the 2025 Australian Open.
Meanwhile, Badosa has four career titles and currently holds the World No. 10 ranking after her strong Australian Open run.
WTA Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Age | Tournaments Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | 26 | 20 | 8956 |
| 2 | Iga Swiatek | 23 | 17 | 8770 |
| 3 | Coco Gauff | 20 | 21 | 6538 |
| 4 | Jasmine Paolini | 29 | 18 | 5288 |
| 5 | Elena Rybakina | 25 | 19 | 4893 |
| 6 | Jessica Pegula | 30 | 18 | 4861 |
| 7 | Madison Keys | 29 | 17 | 4680 |
| 8 | Qinwen Zheng | 22 | 20 | 4095 |
| 9 | Emma Navarro | 23 | 25 | 3709 |
| 10 | Paula Badosa | 27 | 20 | 3588 |
With Sabalenka looking to bounce back after her Australian Open heartbreak and Badosa aiming to continue her resurgence, both players will be key contenders in Doha.
