WTL: Aryna Sabalenka on fireplace, ousts Paula Badosa in singles to finish double win

Aryna Sabalenka accomplished a double conquer Paula Badosa after additionally beating her greatest pal in singles on the World Tennis League. 

Within the opening match of Friday’s programme in Abu Dhabi, the world No. 1 and Mirra Andreeva dismantled the Spaniard and Iga Swiatek 6-1.

Then, the Belarusian tennis star – who represents Workforce Hawks – returned to the court docket for singles and ousted Workforce Eagles’ Badosa 6-2. 

Through the match, Sabalenka fired two aces – did not face a single break level – and likewise transformed two of 4 of her break level alternatives in 26 minutes of motion. 

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa© World Tennis League/X – Honest Use

By additionally clinching a win in singles, the three-time Grand Slam champion principally sealed the deal as Workforce Hawks accomplished a 21-14 win over Workforce Eagles. 

— World Tennis League (@TennisWorl76726) December 20, 2024 How Sabalenka beat Badosa on the World Tennis League?

Within the very first recreation of the match, the world No. 1 earned two consecutive break factors. Whereas she did not understand the primary one, she was profitable in her second try – which got here at deuce on a deciding level.

Two video games later, the previous world No. 2 served out to like the third recreation and managed to get on the board. 

However Sabalenka remained rock-solid on her serve and opened a 4-2 lead earlier than breaking Badosa once more within the seventh recreation to open a really comfy 5-2 lead. 

Up by a double break, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion had no points closing out the match on her serve within the eighth recreation. 

Up to now, the world No. 1 has gone 4-4 on the World Tennis League – she additionally beat Elena Rybakina on Thursday and likewise received her doubles match with Andreeva versus Rybakina and Caroline Garcia.