Aryna Sabalenka says will probably be “robust” to face “finest pal” Paula Badosa after they go head-to-head for a spot within the French Open fourth spherical on Saturday.
Australian Open champion Sabalenka, 26, has been in imperious type up to now at Roland Garros, dropping simply seven video games throughout two commanding straight-set wins.
The pair play second on Courtroom Philippe Chatrier.
“She’s my favorite,” world quantity two Sabalenka mentioned of Badosa.
“I like her a lot. I like to see her play, and he or she’s actually a fantastic fighter, so it is all the time nice matches.
“It is all the time robust to play your finest pal on tour, however we all know how you can handle that, we all know how you can separate court docket and life.
“It is all the time a fantastic battle. I all the time get pleasure from taking part in in opposition to her.”
Spaniard Badosa, a former quarter-finalist, has twice come again from a set down to achieve the third spherical in Paris.
Having ended British primary Katie Boulter’s hopes, Badosa defeated Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva on Thursday and mentioned she was trying ahead to the problem in opposition to Sabalenka, who has gained their previous 4 conferences.
“She has an enormous persona, she’s an excellent lady, all the time bringing good vitality, even on court docket,” mentioned 26-year-old Badosa, who’s presently ranked 139th.
“I believe it’ll be enjoyable. In fact sharing the court docket together with her in spite of everything these outcomes she’s doing and all it is a pleasure for me.”