US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka makes trophy pledge to Paula Badosa after request

Aryna Sabalenka made a promise to her close friend and rival Paula Badosa after being crowned the US Open champion.

The Belarusian now has three Grand Slam titles to her name, with two of them coming this year.

Tongue in cheek, Badosa asked her pal to “leave a bit for the rest” and Sabalenka jokingly was happy to oblige.

Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz were among those to congratulate the world No. 2 after she lifted the trophy in Flushing Meadows. But one particular message caught Sabalenka’s eye.

The morning after her US Open triumph, Sabalenka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote: “Can’t believe I did it. Thank you everyone for your support.” While she was in disbelief, Badosa wasn’t surprised to see her friend enjoy more success.

The Spaniard replied: “Believe it. Crazy achievement! You are such a strong woman! I’m really happy for you! You inspire so many people (also me) ps: please leave a bit for the rest… (specially me) Enjoy it enjoy it! You deserve it.”

And Sabalenka jokingly pledged to let Badosa get her hands on another title. “Thank you so much baby. ahah I will,but only for you,” the newly-crowned champion said in response, adding a laughing emoji.

Badosa also had a great run in New York, reaching her second career Grand Slam quarter-final where she lost to Emma Navarro. Had she won, she would’ve faced her best friend Sabalenka.