French Open 2024: Sabalenka and Badosa are fierce rivals on court -- and close friends off it

PARIS -- The two best friends stood 5 meters apart in the tunnel before walking out onto Court Philippe Chatrier as foes.During the match, no words were exchanged. The two become strangers in this arena. But there were signs of trust -- the unsaid ties of friendship. At the end of the first game in the second set, Badosa was a break point down. She hit a forehand long; it was marginal. If it was out, she'd be on the back foot already in the second set, having lost the first.

But this went to form. After a topsy-turvy first set with seven breaks of serve, Sabalenka retuned the radar on her forehand and powered past Badosa 7-5, 6-1. Sabalenka has won two major titles , and made it to the semifinals at the French Open last year. Their friendship started at an exhibition match three years ago in Los Angeles, then became stronger after they played doubles at the Miami Open that same year.

They played each other again in Stuttgart, Germany, in April, although Badosa retired injured in the third set. But by the time the second set ticked around, Sabalenka's returns were flying past Badosa."The thing is that she's world No. 2 and the level is pretty high," Badosa said."But of course that's what I expected."

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