Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa are best friends, and they played against each other in Miami after the tragic death of Aryna’s ex-boyfriend.

After more than six hours of rain delay and four days of anxiety and conjecture about the “unthinkable tragedy” of her ex-boyfriend Konstanin Koltsov’s death on the eve of the event, Sabalenka stepped the court on Grandstand as scheduled.

In addition to her trademark powerful hitting, Sabalenka displayed remarkable composure and fortitude as she defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-3, firing three aces and saving the lone break point she faced.

It was great to see the warm hug between Aryna and Paola after the match.

Here is the video.

Sabalenka in Miami, ranking, and results in 2024

Now the world no.2, Aryna achieved an overall 14-3 win-loss record in 2024. Aryna is now competing in Miami where she ousted the world no.80 Paula Badosa Gibert 6-4 6-3.

Aryna Sabalenka will compete against the world no.36 Anhelina Kalinina in the 3^rd

round. They have never competed against each other as of now in top events.

The Belarussian conquered 1 title in 2024 at the Australian Open. Aryna was the finalist in Brisbane (Brisbane International).

The Belarussian won 14 titles in her career: 10 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)

Paula Badosa in 2024

Currently the world no.80, Paula played her last match on the 22^nd of March when she capitulated to world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-3 in the 2^nd round in Miami (draw).

Until now, during this year Paula has a compiled 5-6 win-loss record.

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa fought against each other 5 times. The head to head is 3-2 for Sabalenka. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Aryna Sabalenka won 6-4 6-3 in the 2^nd round in Miami (Miami Open) on the 22^nd of March 2024.

You can see them in action in the following highlights.