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Tennis stars Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka shared a heartwarming moment during the second-round clash at the 2024 Porshe Tennis Grand Prix at the Stuttgart Open. Notably, Paula Badosa was forced to retire due to injury when both engaged in a close-fought match in the second round of the WTA 500 event.
Notably, Paula Badosa lost the first set by 7-6; however, she battled in the second as well; however, the third one ended in a tie. The contest was later stopped as the 26-year-old went on to injure her left thigh, which made her retire from the game. Following the same, she shared a heartwarming moment with Aryna Sabalenka on the net, which has been loved by the fans.
Watch out the full video here:
Paula Badosa breaks down crying hugging Aryna Sabalenka after being forced to retired following her injury π€ #PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/gTwdKyBNK4
β Liviefromparis π«π·π€ΈββοΈπ€ΈββοΈ (@ILoovEnglish) April 17, 2024
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka revealed her emotions when she saw Paula sustain the injury and recalled that this was the most difficult thing for her to witness in such a situation. The great player says that they are opponents on the court only; however, they are no less than best friends outside the tennis court. In addition, she further revealed that Paula is a very dear friend to her and a very important person in her life, and she is extremely ecstatic to have her in her life no matter who wins or loses on the tennis court.
It doesn't happen very often that you can find your soulmate: Aryna Sabalenka
"It is very difficult. It doesn't happen very often that you can find your soulmate on the circuit because we compete against each other. But we had this deal: on the court we are opponents, we can shout whatever we want, but off the court, we are friends again," Aryna Sabalenka said.
"We can take a day, depending on who wins, to accept the fact that one of us lost, but then we become friends again. It's hard, and I'm super happy to have her. She is a very nice girl and having her by my side is very important to me," the Belarusian added.