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Aryna Sabalenka will begin her run in the second leg of the “Sunshine Double” on Friday. The Belarusian will take on Paula Badosa in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open. A heavy cloud hands over the iconic player, who is grappling with the recent death of her former boyfriend. Read on to access an expert Paula Badosa vs Aryna Sabalenka 2024 prediction and explore stats and the latest Miami Open odds.
- Paula Badosa vs Aryna Sabalenka, Miami Open
- March 22, 2024
- Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Outdoor, Hardcourt
- Fubo, Tennis Channel
Paula Badosa vs Aryna Sabalenka 2024 Miami Open Odds
Aryna Sabalenka is a favorite to knock out her good friend Paula Badosa with a line of (-220). Badosa will look to win as an underdog against an elite opponent again after beating Simona Halep in three sets. The Spaniard is represented by a moneyline of (+197).
Miami Open 
Paula Badosa +197 +185 +180 +165 +165 Aryna Sabalenka -237 -225 -220 -230 -230
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Tragedy Strikes Right Before Tournament Begins
Miami authorities have verified the passing of Konstantin Koltsov, a former NHL player and partner of tennis sensation Aryna Sabalenka. Koltsov was in Miami to support Sabalenka during the ongoing Miami Open tournament when he passed away. Despite this tragic loss, it’s been reported that the tennis star intends to continue participating in the tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka has spoken out about the tragic passing of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, breaking her silence on the matter. Describing it as an “unimaginable tragedy,” the tennis player clarified that she and Koltsov were no longer in a relationship at the time of his death. “While we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” she wrote in a March 20 Instagram Story. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Paula Badosa spoke on the news, highlighting her concern and mixed emotions about facing her this weekend. “It’s a very tough situation,” the Spaniard said. “Yesterday I spoke with her, this morning the same. I know the entire situation, what is happening.”
“That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer,” Badosa added. “Playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match.”
Aryna Sabalenka 2024 Performance and Miami Open Odds
Returning back to the court, Aryna Sabalenka was booted from the Indian Wells Open by in-form American Emma Navarro in the Round of 16 most recently. Sabalenka kicked off her 2024 season at the Brisbane International, reaching the final but falling to Elena Rybakina in straight sets. Subsequently, she competed in the Australian Open, successfully defending her title by defeating Coco Gauff in the semifinals and Qinwen Zheng in the final. However, her momentum was halted with a first-round elimination in Dubai against Donna Vekić.
Badosa’s 2024 season commenced with a disappointing first-round departure in the Adelaide International. Following this, she exited the Australian Open in the third round, having triumphed over Taylor Townsend in the opening round. In the subsequent Hua Hin Championships, she withdrew during the second round, and later, she also pulled out of the Abu Dhabi Open.
Further setbacks occurred as Badosa withdrew from Dubai shortly after commencing play in the first set, and she also withdrew from the Indian Wells Masters. However, now in Miami, she faced off against the returning star Simona Halep, securing victory after a hard-fought three-set battle.
Best Friends on Opposite Sides of the Net
As alluded to previously, Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa have become the best of friends over the years. Since 2021, the two tennis stars have prominently featured on each other’s Instagram profiles.
Strikingly, most of their posts together capture moments off the court, underscoring the authenticity of their friendship. They’ve shared glimpses with their extensive following of their outings, dining experiences, adventurous escapades, and travels to destinations like Dubai and Canada. In both virtual and real-life encounters, they’ve affectionately referred to one another as “soulmates,” cementing the depth of their bond.
Their camaraderie was fully evident during their recent appearance at the World Tennis League in December. Teaming up, they defeated Mirra Andreeva and Sofia Kenin with a score of 6-3, 6-3, securing triumph for Team Kites in the women’s doubles category. Both athletes are proud members of Team Kites, sharing the roster with Badosa’s partner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Grigor Dimitrov.
Paula Badosa vs Aryna Sabalenka 2024 Miami Open Odds, Prediction and Free Betting Pick
These two are very familiar with each other’s game, having played doubles matches and training together for many years. They have played against each other on four occasions, sharing the spoils with two wins apiece. In 3 of the 4 matches played between the two, the total has gone over 21.5 games. And over the last 12 months, Badosa has competed in nine hard court matches, averaging 22.7 games per match.
I think so early in the tournament, Sabalenka may be a bit rusty, especially considering the whirlwind of events that has surrounded her this week. Badosa knows the strengths and weaknesses of Sabalenka’s game, and will be able to push her deep into sets. I think Sabalenka may still prevail considering her more dominant skills, but it won’t be easy.
Give me the over in this match for a half unit. The circumstances of this match prevent me from recommending a larger play, as Sabalenka could simply fall flat. Or, Badosa will feel too uncomfortable to play with ferocity against such a dear friend going through a difficult time.
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