Sabalenka and some beautiful words towards Badosa: "She knows that I am here for her whenever she needs me"

Carlos Navarro | 21 Apr 2026 | 15.52

Sabalenka offered support to Badosa in a great press conference. Source: Getty

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Aryna Sabalenka returns to action at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open as the top favorite. The altitude of Madrid fits the Belarusian's game like a glove, and her decision to skip Stuttgart in order to arrive fresher physically adds anticipation to her adventure in the Spanish capital. After claiming the Sunshine Double, Aryna pursues history... although she must deal with the pressure from Elena Rybakina, who is relentless in her quest to take over the number one spot.

Her pre-tournament press conference revolved around several topics in an extremely emotional week: she was named the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, an impressive accolade that left her emotional. The Minsk native also discussed her close friend Paula Badosa's situation, mentioning that they plan to have dinner soon to catch up and share advice... and she provided insights on how to make changes in one's game when things don't go well, a key part of her transformation into the world's best player.

Sabalenka described the feeling of losing as "the worst": here is her pre-Mutua Madrid Open press conference

- On whether she will typically approach the clay court season in the future as she did this year, skipping Stuttgart and carefully choosing her tournaments

"It was a pity for me to skip Stuttgart. I will try to return next year, undoubtedly, but the ideal plan is perhaps to expand the calendar a bit to maintain my health, to be ready to showcase my best in every tournament I play. This year my body hasn't cooperated at certain times and I needed rest to recover, so my schedule consisted of fewer tournaments to do what's right for my physical condition. I hope to display my best level every time I compete."

- Laureus Sportswoman of the Year winner as of yesterday

"It means so much to me. To think that my name will be alongside previous winners is surreal. It is an impressive achievement, especially when compared to other sports. There are so many powerful, strong, and inspiring women doing incredible things; to achieve this award... it leaves me speechless. I am extremely grateful and proud."

- How she deals with pressure and maintains good mental health

"Mental health is very important, which is why I work with a psychologist. I have done everything possible to stay mentally healthy. What I have realized over the years is that, first and foremost, it is vital to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with, protected, free to say anything, to ask anything, and to talk about things beyond tennis.

It is very important to do things that bring you happiness outside of this sport, because the sports world, in general, comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. There are many things to deal with, and if you have nothing beyond tennis, it is very difficult to continuously handle that pressure. It is important to do things like go out for dinner, spend time with friends, go grocery shopping, things unrelated to tennis, to keep your mind fresh at least half of the day."

- Heartfelt words about Paula Badosa and the current situation with her injury

"We just spoke now, in the locker room, and she knows I am there for her whenever she needs. We are going to have dinner tonight and talk much more. I always try to help her in every way I can, giving her advice, but I also like to give her space. She knows that anytime she asks me for something, I'll be there, and I hope she returns to the top because I feel it's where she belongs. I always wish her the best."

- What is it about Madrid that suits her game so well: reaching the final in four of the last five occasions

"I think it's the people (smiles). I feel a connection with the people; they support me a lot, which always makes me eager to return to Madrid, to feel that atmosphere. That is the key. And the food is amazing, that's all that matters to me, the support and the food (laughs)."

- Making bold changes throughout her career, like changing her forehand: how challenging is it?

"It's quite demanding, I think making such changes is not easy because you always try to protect your level, your ranking, your points. It's not easy; it all comes with experience, with the moment you feel you need to change something, because otherwise, other players will target your weaknesses. That's the way to become a better player, to stay at the top, always trying to improve a bit, to become better in your weaknesses, as well as enhancing your strengths; that's the process.

I think I embraced changes a lot when I struggled with double faults. I believe that was the tipping point when I felt I was ready to change many things. I knew the advantage it could give me to fix it. You accept that perhaps things may worsen during the process, but personally, I knew that if there was something that could benefit me more, you have to go through that phase and try to figure out if it's good, and if it is, go for it. It's very important, I believe, to listen to your instinct."

- Has she forgotten what losing feels like, immersed in such a streak?

"You never forget the feeling of losing, honestly. I hate that feeling. I can't sleep; I hate it. It's the worst, so I never forget it, and that's why I always try to step onto the court to give my best, because I don't want to deal with that sensation. However, this is sport, and anything can happen. You have to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. That's my mindset."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka y unas preciosas palabras hacia Badosa: "Sabe que estoy para ella siempre que me necesite"