Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa are set to play a doubles tournament for the first time since 2022.
Sabalenka and Badosa will play the Brisbane International together, where they are set to play Zhang Shuai and Liudmila Samsonova.
The pair have not played together since they lost to Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula at the 2022 Madrid Open.
Badosa struggled with injuries throughout 2025, in which she played just 30 matches and 13 tournaments.
Sabalenka has explained how she has tried to help her friend during her long layoff from the sport.
Aryna Sabalenka shares the ‘advice’ she’s given to Paula Badosa
Sabalenka spoke to the press ahead of her stint at the Brisbane International and she spoke about her off-court relationship with Badosa.
“SabaDosa is back, so it’s going to be a lot of fun on court. It was tough time as well for me to see her suffering, and I have always been there for her.
“We spoke a lot. I tried to give my best advice to her, and, I mean, I have always been there for her. If she wanted to talk, I was there.”
Sabalenka and Badosa holidayed together during the off-season and the world number one shared what she offered up to her friend.
“If she needed something, I was there. I gave her contact of a good physiotherapist. I have been a great supporter, and I really hope that she can — not hope, I know she’s going to get back on her level. I just want to make sure her body is protected and strong and ready to go.”
The pair will play their opening match on 4 January, while Sabalenka has already received a bye to the second round in the singles.
Who else is playing the Brisbane International doubles?
Just like the singles, the Brisbane International doubles field is star-studded as top singles players look to build their fitness after the off-season.
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to change in 2026 to win multiple Grand Slam titles?
Last year’s winner Mirra Andreeva, who won the title with Diana Shnaider in 2025, will now team with fellow top 10 player Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Top 20 players Linda Noskova and Clara Tauson will also combine for an all-star team, while Aussies Talia Gibson and Kimberley Birrel have been awarded a wild card.
The number one pairing in the world, Hsieh Su-wei and Jeļena Ostapenko will also feature as the top seeds in Brisbane.
