Aryna Sabalenka is gearing up for her 2026 season with the Brisbane International, a WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournament, which will be held from Jan. 4 to 11 at Queensland Tennis Centre. Apart from her singles competition, she will partner with her close friend Paula Badosa in the doubles category.
Ahead of that, Sabalenka expressed her concerns, having gone through a difficult time watching Badosa suffer from injuries and face her challenges.
Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Paula Badosa’s Fighter Spirit and Elation for Their Doubles Action
After wrapping up her 2025 season with four titles, including the US Open, and titles at Madrid, Miami, and Brisbane, and reaching nine finals, Sabalenka competed in the fourth edition of ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against Australian star Nick Kyrgios. Even though the current world No. 1 tasted defeat, she performed impressively given the physical differences.
Sabalenka, who is now looking forward to defending her singles title, has also expressed excitement about returning to Brisbane with Badosa, as well as concerns for her best friend, whose last season was marred by injuries. Sabalenka called her a fighter, as despite facing such challenges, the Spaniard has managed to return to her 2026 season with high spirits.
She added, revealing her support for Badosa and excitement for their comeback, “Yeah, I mean, SabaDosa is back, so it’s going to be a lot of fun on court. It was tough time as well for me to see her suffering, and I have always been there for her. We spoke a lot. I tried to give my best advice to her, and, I mean, I have always been there for her. If she want to talk, I was there. If she needed something, I was there. I gave her contact of a good physiotherapist.” (via ASAP Text)
Sabalenka and Badosa last competed in doubles during their 2022 season, playing in multiple tournaments. The duo is now returning with the Australian swing. They will clash against Liudmila Samsonova and Zhang Shua, the former world No. 2 in doubles, in the Round of 16 at the Brisbane International.
Considering her hopes of making sure that Badosa is safe and can compete, Sabalenka continued, “Yeah, I have been a great supporter, and I really hope that she can — not hope, I know she’s going to get back on her level. I just want to make sure her body is protected and strong and ready to go.”
The WTA stars clashed against each other at the 2025 Australian Open, where Badosa lost the semifinal to Sabalenka with a concluding score of 6-4, 6-2, ending her most impressive run in a Grand Slam tournament. However, later, as an apology gift, Sabalenka purchased an expensive bracelet for Badosa, making up with her admirably.
