“Hope She Eats a Lot of Burgers”: Paula Badosa and Ons Jabeur Pull Each Other’s Leg Before Indian Wells Battle

Ons Jabeur is on a roll at Indian Wells. The Tunisian has successfully progressed into the semi-finals of the competition. The 12th seed is having a historic 2021 season; she became the first Arab woman to win a WTA title this year, and is now set to become the first Arab player in the top 10 of the ATP or WTA rankings.

On the other hand, Jabeur’s close friend Paula Badosa is also making a statement at Indian Wells. Badosa has already beaten big names like Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejcikova on her way to the semi-finals. Notably, Badosa thrashed the former World No. 1, Angelique Kerber, in straight sets in the quarter-final. The two friends will face off against each other for a place in the final. 

Ons Jabeur and Paula Badosa share friendly banter

Paula Badosa and Ons Jabeur share a very close friendship. The pair have often been seen together, cherishing each other’s company. Just recently, before their semi-finals at Indian Wells, the duo shared a laugh at each other’s expense. Right before Badosa’s match against Kerber, Jabeur said, “I hope Badosa and Kerber play for 5 hours.”

Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 8, 2021 Spain’s Paula Badosa in action during her quarter final match against Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

To this, Badosa replied, “I hope tonight she eats a lot of burgers and she cannot play,” after their semi-final clash was confirmed. Furthermore, Jabeur commented, “Did you receive the burger I sent you?” Even though both players will show up as their competitive selves in the semi-final, they’re enjoying the buildup to the fullest.

.@Ons_Jabeur earlier: I hope Badosa and Kerber play for 5 hours. @paulabadosa: “I hope tonight she eats a lot of burgers and she cannot play.”

Two good friends set to play for a spot in the biggest final of their careers on Friday.#BNPPO21 pic.twitter.com/94zn5yqDvL

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) October 15, 2021

Did you receive the burgers I sent you?

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) October 15, 2021

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Good friends to clash at semi-finals of India Wells

If we look up at the duo’s head-to-head statistics, both players have a win each in their account. Their most recent meeting was in Miami, in 2021, where Ons triumphed after a thrilling three-set encounter with the score, 7-6, 5-7, 7-5.

Aug 12, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ons Jabeur of Tunisia hits a shot against Bianca Andreescu of Canada (not pictured) during third round play at Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Both Jabeur and Badosa have achieved immensely this season, and are eyeing their second-ever WTA title. This will surely be a fascinating contest between two good friends.

ALSO READ: “Want To Be No. 1”: Ons Jabeur is Prepared To Create History as an Arab Woman at Indian Wells 2021

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