Emma Raducanu gushes over 'pretty' Paula Badosa as Spaniard starts pre-season training in Dubai
Emma Raducanu expressed her admiration for Paula Badosa after the Spaniard shared glimpses of her 2025 preseason training in Dubai. Their friendship has recently flourished, with both often sharing heartwarming moments together.
Badosa concluded an impressive 2024 season last month, registering a 37-18 win-loss record on the tour and capturing her first title since returning from injury at the Citi Open in August. Meanwhile, Raducanu showed some improvement compared to her 2023 form but remains stuck at just one career title - her stunning US Open triumph in 2021.
On Thursday, December 6, Badosa shared an Instagram post featuring her preseason preparations. Raducanu commented under the post, exclaiming that the former Indian Wells champion looked “so pretty” in blue.
“So pretty. Blueeeee😍,” Raducanu wrote.
Both players competed at the Billie Jean King Cup, with Paula Badosa representing Spain and Emma Raducanu playing for Great Britain. The Spaniard praised her friend as she led her team to the quarterfinals against Canada.
Emma Raducanu to kick off 2025 season in ASB Classic while Paula Badosa is set to compete in the Brisbane International
Emma Raducanu will kick off her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland while Paula Badosa will start her year at the Brisbane International in Australia.
Although 2024 hasn’t been the best year for Raducanu, she takes pride in reaching the top 60 in the world in such a short time. She said (via Tennishead):
“My assessment is, I think sometimes I need reminding. I’m top 60 in the world and I have played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, in a way. I have to pat myself on the back for that,” she told the press during the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November.
Raducanu, who dealt with an ankle injury and underwent surgeries on both wrists earlier this year, issued a confident warning to her rivals. Describing herself as "dangerous," she sounded determined and optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I know I’m a dangerous player. I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year,” the former US Open champion said.
The ASB Classic and the Brisbane International serve as warm-up events for the Australian Open, where Raducanu will aim for her second Grand Slam and Badosa will seek her first. Both players will look to build momentum heading into the season's first Major.