Paula Badosa and Simon Halep join forces for practice session ahead of 2025 season

With the 2025 WTA season set to kick off in a few weeks, tennis stars have begun preparations with Paula Badosa and Simona Halep coming together for a special hitting session.

Badosa experienced a comeback season of sorts, beginning 2024 with an appearance at the Adelaide International. Despite struggling with back injuries for some of the year, the Spaniard was able to win one title, at the 2024 Citi Open. Additionally, she made semifinal appearances at the Cincinnati Open and China Open towards the end of the year.

Read also

Jannik Sinner flies to Miami for girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya's birthday defying break-up rumours

Halep hoping to bounce back following doping scandal

The former World No.1 returned to the courts in 2024 after serving a reduced four-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. Halep made her comeback at the 2024 Miami Open, where she fell to Badosa in a three-set opening round encounter.

As the 2025 season approaches, both athletes came together for a special practice session. Badosa took to social media to post photos of both her and Halep on the tennis court, and thanked the Romanian for playing with her.

“Great practice with this champ @simonahalep thank you," Badosa captioned her Instagram story.

Halep also shared a picture of the duo on the tennis court, and returned thanks to Badosa for the training session.

"Always a pleasure 😌 Thanks for the great practice @paulabadosa," wrote the former Wimbledon champion.

Halep and Badosa have faced each other three times on the WTA Tour, with the Romanian winning two out of the three encounters.