The beloved tennis duo, Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa, affectionately dubbed “Sabadosa,” delighted fans with a heartwarming reunion in Dubai on Friday night. As Sabalenka prepares to cap her season at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she took a break to enjoy a special evening with her close friend Badosa, who recently concluded her 2025 season due to ongoing injury challenges.
The world No. 1 and the Spanish star, who both share a fondness for Dubai, made the most of their time together, with Badosa sharing their night out on social media. “My favorite date @arynasabalenka 💖💖💖 finally!” she wrote on her Instagram story, alongside a photo of Sabalenka at the dinner table, followed by a playful selfie of the pair.
Badosa’s 2025 season was marred by injuries, limiting her to just one tournament appearance since Wimbledon due to persistent back issues and a hip injury that forced her to retire during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova at the China Open. Despite these setbacks, her spirits were high as she reunited with Sabalenka, continuing their tradition of enjoying Dubai’s vibrant scene together.
Their bond, which grew stronger this year, was highlighted after a memorable moment at the Australian Open in January, where Sabalenka defeated Badosa in the semifinals. In a lighthearted exchange, Badosa teased that she expected an extravagant apology gift from her friend. Sabalenka delivered during the Middle East swing, presenting Badosa with a piece of jewelry that the Spaniard joyfully unboxed on Instagram Live.
As Sabalenka gears up for the WTA Finals, the Dubai dinner date offered a moment of joy and connection for the two friends, proving that their “Sabadosa” chemistry remains as strong as ever.
