SUMMARY
- Aryna Sabalenka has been spotted with a new look on the tour.
- Aryna Sabalenka got approval for her new look from Paula Badosa.
Aryna Sabalenka started the 2024 WTA season by reaching the finals in the first two events she played in. She was the runner-up at Brisbane International and went on to win the Australian Open. She then lost in the opening round at Dubai. Sabalenka will next play at Indian Wells. She was seen having a fun moment with Paula Badosa during a practice session before the event.
Sabalenka had taken a three-week break from the tour after the Australian Open. Fans wondered what had happened to her. But when she made a comeback in Dubai, there was a change in her smile. She had undergone a dental procedure, receiving veneers to get her teeth aligned. Sabalenka showed her look to Badosa, who was happy and approved of her change.
Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka meet up in Indian Wells
Paula approves of Aryna’s new 🦷 pic.twitter.com/yf3GxYQ80y
— notyourcountryclub (@showfortennis) March 6, 2024
not aryna showing paula her new teeth IJBOLLLLLL https://t.co/WrkjX1iIl0
— 𝓃 | back to sublanko era (@sabyrussoo) March 6, 2024
The Spaniard was seen as enthusiastic and supportive of the change Sabalenka had undergone. Both players have shared a close bond over the years. While Badosa has withdrawn from Indian Wells due to a lower back injury, Sabalenka will begin her campaign on 9 March. The Belarusian will look to bring back her form in the upcoming matches.
Aryna Sabalenka vouching for first-time victory at Indian Wells
Sabalenka will be one of the favorites at Indian Wells this season. She had made her debut in the event five years ago and reached the third round while losing to Marketa Vondrousova. The 25-year-old will be playing singles at Indian Wells for the fifth time in her career. She had played doubles in 2018 and 2019. Sabalenka captured the doubles title in 2019 with Elise Mertens.
The world No.2 has played 12 matches in Indian Wells so far and has won eight of them. Sabalenka’s best performance came during last year’s edition when she reached the final and lost to Elena Rybakina. She will hope to lift the trophy for the first time this year. Sabalenka received a bye in the opening round and will face Peyton Stearns or Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round.
Aryna Sabalenka is back at Indian Wells.
Sababarbie. 💖 pic.twitter.com/ejKhJ2hMiC
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 3, 2024
The two-time Grand Slam champion has not played a match in more than two weeks. Sabalenka might initially struggle on the court but will make sure to set the tone in the opening match. She has won 11 matches this year and has only lost two. The fans will be eager to welcome Sabalenka with her new look at Indian Wells.