The Berlin Open, a WTA 500 grass-court spectacle, has been more than a battleground for tennis supremacy; it’s become a stage for heartwarming camaraderie between two of the tour’s brightest stars, Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka. As the world No. 1 Sabalenka powered through her second-round match against Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova on June 19, 2025, securing a 6-2, 7-6(6) victory, her dazzling performance was matched by a sparkling off-court gesture—wearing elegant earrings from Badosa’s jewelry brand, Aces. Badosa, in turn, shared a glowing tribute on Instagram, marveling at Sabalenka’s on-court brilliance and stylish support, calling her “Number 1 in the world making high class points like this,” while playfully noting the Alma collection earrings added flair to her friend’s game.
Badosa and Sabalenka’s friendship, one of the WTA’s most cherished bonds, has blossomed since their first meeting at the 2023 Australian Open, where Badosa declared Sabalenka her “best friend on tour.” Their connection transcends competition, marked by playful banter and lavish gestures, like Sabalenka gifting Badosa a luxury bracelet after defeating her 6-4, 6-2 in the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals. “She said she forgave me,” Sabalenka quipped on Instagram, capturing Badosa’s delight as she unwrapped the shimmering gift. In Berlin, Sabalenka’s choice to wear Aces’ Alma collection earrings—18k gold pieces adorned with diamonds, crafted with The 1916 Company—underscored her support for Badosa’s entrepreneurial venture, launched to reflect her love for tennis-inspired elegance.
Badosa’s Instagram story, featuring a clip of Sabalenka’s electrifying rally against Masarova, showcased the Belarusian’s ferocious serve and pinpoint groundstrokes. “Also wearing Alma collection earrings, looking (this point was thanks to the earring btw),” Badosa teased, blending admiration for Sabalenka’s game with pride in her brand. The rally, on Sabalenka’s serve in the first set, saw Masarova briefly seize control before Sabalenka unleashed a winner, a moment Badosa deemed “high class.” Fans on social media erupted, with one posting, “Paula and Aryna’s friendship is the real MVP of Berlin,” while another lauded, “Sabalenka rocking Aces jewelry is iconic.”
On the court, Badosa is carving her own path, reaching the Berlin quarter-finals with a 7-6(2), 6-3 upset over world No. 9 Emma Navarro, her fourth last-eight appearance of 2025. Despite a back injury that sidelined her for much of the clay season, Badosa’s resilience shone through, following a 6-1, 6-3 rout of Eva Lys in the first round. “I’m finding my rhythm on grass,” she said post-match, eyeing a potential clash with Coco Gauff, whom she leads 4-3 in their head-to-head. Sabalenka, meanwhile, navigated drama against Masarova, overcoming a match suspension due to dew and poor light, which she contested fiercely. “You are stopping the match because she says that side is slippery? I just played two games on that side,” she argued, before sealing the win on Thursday.
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been stellar, with three titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, and a 40-7 record, though her French Open final loss to Gauff still stings. “I’m here to fight for every point,” she said, aiming for her first grass-court title. Badosa’s Aces, featuring collections like Vida, Aura, and Alma, has gained traction, with players like Mirra Andreeva sporting its tennis racket earrings at Roland Garros. “For my queen! Hope you like them! Made them with all my love,” Badosa wrote in a May 2025 note to Sabalenka, gifting her Alma and Aura earrings, which Sabalenka proudly showcased online.
Their Berlin reunion, marked by selfies and shared smiles, reflects a bond unbroken by competition. Sabalenka’s arrival, greeted by tournament director Markus Zoecke with a bouquet, set a festive tone. “It’s great to have you here,” Zoecke told her, as captured on the tournament’s Instagram. As both players chase Wimbledon glory, Badosa’s heartfelt message and Sabalenka’s stylish support illuminate a friendship that shines brighter than any trophy, proving that in tennis, love means more than zero.
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