Paula Badosa said that she is “uncomfortable” facing her “best friend” Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the Miami Open 2024. 2-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is going through tragic times after her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov passed away.
As per the police, Koltsov, a former NHL ice hockey player, jumped from the balcony of a room at a resort in Miami.
Despite the tumultuous times, Sabalenka refused to withdraw from the tournament, saying that she was “intending to play.”
Badosa said that she is aware of what the 25-year-old Sabalenka is going through after losing her dear one.
‘Do not want her to suffer’
“Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she’s going through,” Badosa told the reporters.
“I know the entire situation, what is happening. That for me, is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation,” she said.
“At the same point, playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable,” Badosa added.
Caroline Wozniacki, former No.1 ranked player, said that the situation Sabalenka is going through is “heartbreaking”.
“I love Aryna. I think she’s such a great person. She’s always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. Everyone grieves in a different way,” Wozniacki said.
“She was walking past today. I was giving her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her,” she said.
Sabalenka received a first round bye in Miami and will get her campaign underway against Badosa.
Badosa, on the other hand, made her way through to the second round after beating former World No.1 Simona Halep 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.
