Paula Badosa shared she was thrilled to spend time at the 2024 China Open players’ party alongside her close friend Aryna Sabalenka. The party took place on Wednesday night amid the tournament that runs from September 25 to October 6, 2024. Other players at the bash included Jasmine Paolini, Qinwen Zheng, Jessica Pegula, Barbora Krejcikova, and others.
Badosa and Sabalenka have often referred to each other as best friends over the past few years. On the court, the two have faced each other seven times on the WTA Tour, with the Belarusian winning five of those matches.On Wednesday, following the players’ party at the China Open, Sabalenka posted some pictures and videos on her news feed, sharing a glimpse of her time in Beijing. The posts featured her training sessions, moments with her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis, and photos from the players’ dinner. The Belarusian also posted a picture from the dinner with Badosa, with a note reflecting on their time spent together. She tagged Badosa in the comment that read,
“Wish we’d hang out more often”
Later, Badosa shared the image on her Instagram story and captioned it,
“sister from another mister @arynasabalenka”
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa. source: Instagram/Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa. source: Instagram/Aryna Sabalenka
This will be the fourth participation for Sabalenka in the China Open since turning pro; she reached the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2023. She will kick off her 2024 China Open campaign on Friday, September 27, in what will be her first tournament since clinching her second Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Meanwhile, Paula Badosa will be making her China Open debut as she faces Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova on Friday.
“Always tough to play your best friend on tour” – When Aryna Sabalenka spoke about facing Paula Badosa
While speaking to the press ahead of the French Open third-round clash in May 2024, between herself and Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka said Badosa is tough to compete against. She added they know how to “manage” their friendship alongside their professional commitments. Sabaelnka said,
“She’s my favorite, I love her so much. I love to see her play, and she’s really a great fighter, so it’s always great matches. It’s always tough to play your best friend on tour, but we know how to manage that, we know how to separate court and life. It’s always a great battle. I always enjoy playing against her.”
Sabalenka went on to win the clash 7-5, 6-1, but was knocked out by 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.In addition to winning the Australian Open and the US Open this season, Sabalenka has also lifted the Cincinnati Open title. She reached the finals at the Italian Open, Madrid Open, and Brisbane International.
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