By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, March 20, 202
Generally, a heart-felt hug from a superb buddy could be a life preserver for a participant in ache.
Shut mates Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka have shared success collectively and leaned on one another throughout robust instances.
Extra: Aryna Sabalenka’s Boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov Has Died at 42
After they face off within the Miami Open second spherical, it’s going to doubtless be probably the most emotional encounter between the pair.
The match shall be Sabalenka’s first since her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, died at age 42 by “obvious suicide” early Monday morning, the Miami-Dade Police mentioned.
World No. 2 Sabalenka continues to be within the Miami Open draw and scheduled to play Badosa, who has been a caring and anxious presence for her buddy throughout a horrific time.
Badosa mentioned her major concern is Sabalenka’s well-being: She would not need her buddy to endure.
“She’s one among my finest mates,” Badosa informed the media in Miami. “Yesterday I spoke together with her a whole lot of time. This morning the identical. So I do know what she’s going by means of. I do know your complete state of affairs, what is going on.
“That for me is a bit bit surprising additionally to undergo that as a result of on the finish she’s my finest buddy and I do not need her to endure. It is a very robust state of affairs.”
It is an unprecedented state of affairs as nicely.
Two good mates, who’ve had one another’s backs for years, now set to face off days after the ache of private tragedy.
Although the online will divide them for a match, their deep friendship will bond them.
It is one other agonizing tragedy for Sabalenka. 5 years in the past, Sabalenka’s beloved father, Sergey, handed away at age 43 in 2019.
On this fifth assembly between the buddies, Badosa shall be a compassionate competitor.
“I do not actually know what to say. I imply, she’s one among my finest mates,” Badosa mentioned. “After all, I do know what she’s going by means of. Actually, for me hasn’t been simple, too.
“I actually do not know what to say, truthfully. She’s a robust girl. I believe she is going to get the ability from someplace. I hope it is going to be a battle, a superb match, and let’s have a look at.”
Photograph credit score: Robert Prange/Getty