Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa beat Liudmila Samsonova and Zhang Shuai 7-6(2), 7-6(3) to reach the Brisbane International quarterfinals.
- Badosa told fans “Sabadosa is back” in the on-court interview, noting how much her partner enjoys the atmosphere.
- The match forms part of Badosa’s cautious return to competition after a chronic back diagnosis that some doctors said warranted retirement.
- Sabalenka said she consistently stayed available to talk, offered advice, and connected Badosa with a physiotherapist to help safeguard her body.
- In recent remarks, Badosa reflected on early-career expectations and said she was not mentally prepared for the pressure when she was a teen.