SPANISH tennis star, Paula Badosa, was defeated within the Australian Open semi-final early this morning, shedding 4-6 2-6 to world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka is just not solely feminine tennis’ greatest participant, however can be a long-time pal of Badosa.
Final yr, the Belarusian even described Badosa as her “soulmate”.
Each will hope that Thursday morning’s end result doesn’t have an effect on their friendship as Sabalenka squashed Badosa’s hopes of reaching her first ever Grand Slam ultimate.
The Spaniard, competing in a significant semi-final for the primary time, raced right into a 3-0 lead within the first set however Sabalenka clawed the sport again along with her hard-hitting.
Whereas the primary set was shut, the second was taken with extra authority by the two-time reigning champion.
Following Carlos Alcaraz’s quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic, Spanish tennis followers might really feel disheartened.
Nonetheless, Badosa’s achievement in reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final is a testomony to Spain’s continued success on the worldwide tennis stage.