Aryna Sabalenka offers support to Paula Badosa after tough Madrid Open loss

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Aryna Sabalenka has spoken about what she wants for Paula Badosa after her early exit in Madrid.

The two players are close friends on the tour, both having reached the top five in the rankings at different points in their careers.

While Sabalenka remains near the top of the game, Badosa’s form has dipped significantly. She’s now outside the top 100 and still dealing with injuries.

Even with Sabalenka there to support her, Badosa lost again in Madrid—her fourth straight defeat—falling to Julia Grabher for the first time.

Aryna Sabalenka sends message to Paula Badosa after Madrid Open defeat

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Badosa had two set points in the opening frame but couldn’t capitalise, losing it in a tie-break. The second set went her way, but Grabher took control in the decider, closing out the match 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-0.

It marked the first time Badosa has ever lost a set 6-0 in a WTA Tour main draw match.

Sabalenka, who is yet to play her first match as a seed at the event, was asked about Badosa during her pre-tournament media duties.

“We just talked right now, in the locker room, and she knows I’m here for her whenever she needs it,” Sabalenka said. “We’re going to dinner today and we’ll talk a lot more.

“I always try to help her as much as I can, I give her advice, but I also like to give her time. She knows that whenever she asks me for something, I will be there.”

Sabalenka continued: “I hope she returns to the top because I feel that it is where she should be, where she belongs. I always wish her the best.”

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