Tennis legends, music moguls, and sports icons—what do they all have in common? The answer lies in the contacts of the WTA players! After the end of the last grand slam of the year, US Open, it seems that players are up for some well-deserved fun time. However, competition might never leave them alone, as in a fascinating revelation, it seems that Paula Badosa might be ahead of her peers, including Iga Swiatek, her best friend, Aryna Sabalenka, and former US Open champion, Coco Gauff! But not how you might think!
On September 22, the official WTA YouTube channel posted a fun and entertaining video, where the top 8 players of the world sat down for, “5 Second to Name” game. As interesting as it might sound, the game became hilariously stressful for the players, (including Sabalenka, Gauff, Badosa, Emma Navarro, Daria Kasatkina, Jasmine Paolini, and Swiatek), who named the apps on their phones, WTA legends, players outside of tennis, etc., all within just 5 seconds.
However, as the focus shifted to naming the “famous contacts” on their phones, it seemed that Paula Badosa didn’t have to think much as compared to her peers. “Rafael Nadal, Shakira, Carlos Alcaraz,” she quickly answered. The impressive lineup of stars which included the Colombian singer and songwriter surprised even the interviewer who double-checked, asking her, “Shakira?” To this, the Spaniard responded, “Yeah,” with a smile.
Badosa has always been a fan of Nadal, considering him an ‘idol.’ For Carlos Alcaraz, her admiration for him was also evident when she uplifted his spirits after his US Open loss(to Netherland’s Van de Zandschulp in straight sets by 6-1, 7-5, 6-4), saying, “You can see that he is a very humble person, very self-critical and that’s why he is so, so good.”
But by naming “Shakira,” Badosa has turned all attention to herself. Interestingly, Badosa previously openly supported Shakira when she went through a breakup of a 11-year relationship with Gerard PIqué’s. She posted on her video (where she opened up on the dark phase of her life) on X saying, “You are pure strength and inspiration Shak.”
Coming back to the video. Contrastingly, her BFF in the WTA Tour, Sabalenka, answered the same question, by naming her two best friends, saying, “Ons Jabeur, Paula Badosa, that’s it,” with a laugh. Pretty predictable, isn’t it? Next up was Gauff, who also named the R&B singer and songwriter Ravyn Lenae, but didn’t forget to mention Ben Shelton and the Swiss legend, Roger Federer!
Other players like Swiatek, named the skiing star Lindsey Vonn, and her idol, Nadal, on her list and humbly added how she doesn’t “know many famous people honestly.” Meanwhile, Paolini, after naming the Italian singer Marco Mengoni, quickly said, “I don’t know. Sinner!” And while Daria Kasatkina humorously named Gauff, Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur, Emma Navarro thoughtfully began by saying “Gauff, Lindsay Davenport” and then added, “Ben Shelton, because he’s right there.”
Badosa might have left her best friend, Sabalenka, on that list, but when it comes to celebrating her success, she is on top!
“You are such a strong woman,” says Paula Badosa of Sabalenka
After her maiden US Open victory, Sabalenka shared a post on X, stating her own disbelief at her victory. But Paula Badosa came to her rescue as the two “soulmates” shared their love for each other on X. “Believe it. Crazy achievement! You are such a strong woman! I’m really happy for you!,” she wrote under Sabalenka’s post. Furthermore, the former World No. 2 added, “You inspire so many people (also me🥹) ps: please leave a bit for the rest… (specially me😂) Enjoy it enjoy it! You deserve it❤️❤️❤️.”
Sabalenka later replied to Badosa, acknowledging her love while humorously noting down Badosa’s request, “Thank you so much baby ❤️ ahah I will, but only for you.” Their friendship, which began in 2022, has been entertaining fans for a long time now, with their on-court rivalries (where Sabalenka leads by 5-2) or with their off-court fun banter and appreciation for each other.
The 2024 US Open quarterfinalist, Paula Badosa, might have some famous stars in her phonebook, but her friendships in the WTA world are something her fans absolutely adore!
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