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Aryna Sabalenka expressed her disappointment and sadness over Paula Badosa's mid-match retirement due to an injury during their second-round match at the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
Badosa kicked off her campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diana Shnaider in the first round. The Spaniard then faced her close friend and second seed Sabalenka (received a first-round bye) in the second round on Wednesday, April 17.
Sabalenka secured her spot in the quarterfinals after the match lasted two hours and 21 minutes. Paula Badosa was forced to retire due to a left thigh injury, with the Belarusian emerging victorious with a score of 7-6(4), 4-6, 3-3.
The Spaniard has faced challenges for some time now and has been in and out of the tennis circuit since getting plagued with injuries last season. These injuries compelled her to withdraw from several tournaments.
During the post-match on-court interview, Aryna Sabalenka admitted that she was close to tears upon seeing her friend Paula Badosa leave the match due to injury. She conveyed her sympathy and shared her love for Badosa.
“Yeah, I'm actually about to cry right now, honestly. I don’t know. Feel so bad for her. And I love this girl, even after the terrible interview with Ons [Jabeur], but I still love her, and I feel really, I just, I don’t know, I don’t have any emotions right now. I’m not happy. I’m not sad," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka also expressed her gratitude to the dedicated spectators who stayed until the end of the match despite its late finish.
"I just want to say thank you to the people who stayed till the end of this match. Thank you so much. I hope you guys can get a good rest and that you’ll be okay tomorrow. I have no words, honestly,” she added.
When asked how she planned to unwind after the late match, Sabalenka said she would indulge in something sweet to lift her spirits.
“I don’t know. I’m gonna cry. I'm gonna treat myself to some sugar, probably just to feel a little bit better,” she said.
Aryna Sabalenka: "I’m really grateful to have such a friend like Paula Badosa"
After advancing to the quarterfinals due to Paula Badosa's retirement during their second-round match at the 2024 Stuttgart Open, Aryna Sabalenka expressed her admiration and respect for her close friend. She said it was important to have a friend like the Spaniard in the competitive atmosphere of professional tennis.
"I think it’s very important in this competitive atmosphere to have a friend. Love this girl, and I feel so bad, [she’s] not feeling her best and I literally was about to cry," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka also extended her good wishes for Paula Badosa's swift recovery and hoped to see her back on the court for the 2024 Madrid Open.
"I feel for her and I really hope that she’s gonna recover as soon as possible, and that she’ll be ready for Madrid. Once again, I’m really grateful to have such a friend like Paula,” she added
Aryna Sabalenka will face either Marketa Vondrousova or Anastasia Potapova in the quarterfinal of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
