Tennis

Ons Jabeur's resurgence at the Mutua Madrid Open is not just about her on-court performances. The Tunisian star has forged new connections and found support from unexpected sources, adding to her positive experience in the Spanish capital.Jabeur's friendship with Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka has blossomed into a close bond. The trio, dubbed "soulmates" by Sabalenka, share a playful and supportive relationship. Jabeur jokingly described herself as the "psychologist" between the two fashion-conscious players."They're both kids, you know. I'm here as a psychologist between them," Jabeur said. "I love both, obviously. I think Aryna and Paula have the connection of the fashion: 'I wore this, I wore that, I bought this new purse,' and I go to the real thing. 'What do you need? Let's go have dinner.'"Jabeur's connection with former world No. 7 Fernando Verdasco has also been a positive development. The Spaniard has been working with Jabeur in Madrid, providing insights and support in the absence of her full-time coach."Fernando is such an amazing person. We are close. I've known him for a long time. It's always nice to chat with him and have his vision about tennis; I've always been a fan of his as a tennis player and also a person," Jabeur said.Verdasco's guidance has helped Jabeur improve her backhand and make better shot choices. "My backhand is much better. I've been trying to be a lefty for a while, so I think it's working out," Jabeur joked."It's nice to get the insights of a professional tennis player and see how he thinks. I share sometimes my frustrations on court ... 'You think I should've done that, or this?' It's really amazing to see his insights."Jabeur's positive mindset and newfound support system have contributed to her success in Madrid. She will face former Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue her impressive run and challenge for the title she won in 2022.

Paula Badosa, the former world No. 2, has opened up about the challenges she has faced with injuries and the lengths she has gone to in order to prolong her playing career. In a recent episode of the *WTA Insider Podcast*, Badosa revealed that she has received cortisone shots to manage her chronic back pain, which doctors have warned could become a recurring necessity."They said this is the only option we can give you and maybe you will have to keep doing that if you want to play for a few more years," Badosa said. "I said, 'A few more years? I'm still 26.' For me that was very tough."Badosa's back injury has derailed her 2023 season, forcing her to withdraw from three Grand Slam tournaments and shut down her season after Wimbledon. The Spaniard has also dealt with numerous other physical issues since her 2022 ranking peak."I've lived through so many experiences, also mental things," said Badosa, who has been an advocate for those struggling with mental health struggles. "Now an injury that I was never expecting, to have an injury for this long. Then being on the top, now again low, trying to come back. It's intense."Despite the setbacks, Badosa remains optimistic about her long-term prospects. She is set to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she reached the semifinals as a wild card in 2021."For me, being able to play three or four more years would be amazing," Badosa said.Badosa's boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, has been a source of support during her injury struggles."I'm just there as much as I can to keep making her feel good that at least we are together and we're trying to find solution together," Tsitsipas said.Badosa's story is a reminder of the challenges that athletes face in managing injuries and the sacrifices they make to continue their careers.

Aryna Sabalenka's clay-court campaign got off to a bittersweet start as she overcame an injured Paula Badosa in a marathon match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The No. 2 seed prevailed 7-6 (6), 4-6, 3-3, retired, reaching the quarterfinals despite an emotional conclusion.Sabalenka struggled early on, but gradually found her rhythm against a determined Badosa. The first set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Sabalenka eventually prevailed in a tiebreaker, winning six of the final seven points.Badosa responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sabalenka twice to take a commanding lead. However, Sabalenka refused to go down without a fight, breaking back and narrowing the gap. Badosa called a medical timeout to address a lower back injury, but returned to serve out the set.The third set saw Sabalenka take control, breaking Badosa twice. However, Badosa's injury worsened, forcing her to retire with Sabalenka leading 3-3. The Belarusian was visibly emotional at the net, comforting her opponent.The victory was bittersweet for Sabalenka, who had been dealing with the recent loss of her ex-partner. She had previously lost to Badosa in Miami, but was determined to turn things around in Stuttgart.Sabalenka's next opponent will be either No. 6 seed Marketa Vondrousova or 2023 Stuttgart semifinalist Anastasia Potapova. The Belarusian will be looking to continue her strong form on clay, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.

Paula Badosa's Miami Open journey may have ended prematurely, but the former world No. 2 is finding solace and determination as she prepares for the upcoming European clay-court season.After a disappointing withdrawal from Indian Wells due to injury, Badosa took to social media to express her frustration and resilience. "One day I'll be smiling on a court again," she wrote. "Thanks for the nice messages. And for the negativity also, you make me stronger."In Miami, Badosa showcased her fighting spirit by defeating Simona Halep in the Romanian's return match. However, her emotional second-round encounter with Aryna Sabalenka, who was playing for the first time since her ex-boyfriend's tragic passing, ended in a 6-4, 6-3 loss.Despite the setback, Badosa remained positive. "Three weeks ago, I was on a sofa without knowing when I would be able to play again," she said. "After that, for the first time, I was able to play for eight days in a row since almost a year. I'm happy and proud of it.""I know my level is far, but the fact that I'm on a court, it's a win. Step by step."Badosa, a three-time WTA title winner, will now shift her focus to the clay-court season, where she is scheduled to compete in Charleston before heading to Europe. Last year, she reached the quarterfinals in Charleston before falling to Jessica Pegula.As she embarks on this new chapter, Badosa is determined to overcome her injury woes and regain her top form. Her resilience and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly serve her well as she aims to make a strong impact on the clay.

Sabalenka Triumphs in Miami Amidst Personal TragedyIn a poignant display of resilience, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious in her second-round match at the Miami Open presented by Itau on Friday. The victory came just days after the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstanin Koltsov.Despite the emotional turmoil, Sabalenka took to the court with determination. Her match against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, now ranked No. 80, was a testament to her unwavering spirit. Both players appeared subdued, but the tension dissipated with a shared giggle and fist bump at the coin toss.Sabalenka's performance was a testament to her mental fortitude. She broke serve three times, twice in the second set, to secure the victory in an hour and 24 minutes. Badosa, who has been struggling with a lingering back injury, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.The match, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to rain delays and the tournament's discretion. Sabalenka's victory sets up a third-round clash with No. 32 seed Anhelina Kalinina, who defeated Caroline Wozniacki.Sabalenka's triumph is a reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Amidst the pain and grief, she found the strength to compete and honor the memory of her loved one. Her victory is a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her friends and the tennis community.

Paula Badosa, the Spanish tennis sensation, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court. Her unwavering determination and infectious personality have propelled her to the top of the sport, while her ability to connect with fans and fellow players has made her an ambassador for the game.Badosa's journey to tennis stardom was not without its challenges. Despite possessing undeniable talent, she struggled with self-belief. However, a shift in mindset and a promise to herself to fight relentlessly transformed her into the formidable competitor she is today.Off the court, Badosa is a vibrant and engaging personality. She has forged meaningful friendships with several WTA players, including Aryna Sabalenka, whom she considers her "soulmate." Their shared competitive spirit and ability to separate tennis from personal life have made their bond unbreakable.In 2023, Badosa's life took a new turn when she fell in love with fellow tennis superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas. Their relationship has not only increased their popularity but has also provided Badosa with unwavering support and inspiration.Despite a recent injury setback, Badosa remains focused on her goals. She is working tirelessly to regain her top form and reclaim her position among the world's elite. Her passion for tennis and her unwavering determination make her a formidable opponent and an inspiration to aspiring athletes.

Paula Badosa's injury woes continue to haunt her as the former world No. 2 was forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who made her biggest career breakthrough in Indian Wells in 2021, has been struggling with a myriad of injuries since then.Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells marks the fourth tournament out of six that she has either lost a match via a walkover or withdrawn from after the draw was made. She owns a 4-5 win-loss record on the year, with three of her victories coming on her way to the Australian Open third round.The stress fracture in her L4 vertebra (low back) sidelined Badosa for the second half of the 2023 season. She returned to Indian Wells with a wild card, but her injury woes continue to plague her."So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament," Badosa shared in an Instagram Story. "I tried everything to be able to play but (it) wasn't enough. I'm having a very difficult time with my injury but I'm fighting every day to come (back) as soon as possible."Badosa has been struggling to get her 2024 season off the ground. She has been open about her struggles with injuries and the toll it has taken on her mentally."I wanna thank the fans that are sticking with me, (especially) this past year," Badosa said. "I'm sorry I haven't given what you are expecting from me and I'm just giving you sad news lately. (Trust me it's the last thing I want also)..."Hopefully soon the tears will be tears of joy again."Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells is a major blow to the tournament. She was one of the top contenders for the title and her absence will be felt.