Paula Badosa responds to questions about Aryna Sabalenka

Badosa was asked about Sabalenka after her first-round win over Simona Halep
Robert Prange/GettyImages
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It is no secret that Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka are good friends. They have sometimes been called "Sabadosa." They are smiling, laughing, and always having fun when seen together.

Even though Sabalenka is not doing press during the Miami Open because of the sudden death of her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, reporters wanting to learn more about Sabalenka's situation asked Badosa after her impressive first-round win over Simona Halep.

Badosa wins the award for BFF of the year because she answered the question respectfully without divulging any private information.

What Badosa said

Badosa admitted that she spoke to and spent time with Sabalenka several times after the tragic incident on March 18. She also knows what happened but declined to elaborate. Badosa said she would not share those details calling it a "tough situation."

Ironically, Badosa will be Sabalenka's opponent the first time she steps on the court in Miami on Friday. Badosa said it would be "uncomfortable" playing her friend, especially in the circumstances.

Sabalenka has been seen wearing black on the practice courts. The rigors of tennis could be therapeutic for her in this situation. Not having to face the press is certainly helpful. In normal circumstances, they sometimes ask her silly questions so not sitting before them and answering questions must be a huge relief.

No one knows what to expect when Sabalenka plays on Friday. Win or lose, she is entitled to grieve as she sees most appropriate for her circumstances. It could be oddly beneficial that Badosa is on the other side of the net. She knows her opponent has her back in tennis and in life. Friendships like Paula Badosa's and Aryna Sabalenka's are hard to come by in life. Hopefully Sabalenka takes comfort in that during this difficult time.

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