By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Picture credit score: Matthew Calvis
A resurgent Paula Badosa reached the Australian Open semifinals to return to the High 10.
Now, Badosa is reflecting on a few of her darkest days within the recreation that led to despair.
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In a brand new interview along with her pal, Caroline Garcia, on her podcast Tennis Insider Membership, Badosa opens up on the psychological well being struggles she confronted earlier in her profession.
“I’ve by no means been ashamed to say this: I’ve had psychological well being points,” Badosa advised Garcia. “At this time, after I give it some thought and look again, I am joyful for every little thing I’ve overcome, as a result of that has made me the participant or the particular person I’m. A fighter.”
Exterior and self-imposed expectations early in her profession put heavy strain on the younger Badosa, who was dubbed the subsequent Maria Sharapova by some, and concedes she didn’t all the time take pleasure in competing.
“Once I was 18 years outdated and I used to be an excellent junior participant,” Badosa recalled. “Taking that step ahead was not straightforward. You begin dropping, and other people suppose you are the subsequent Sharapova. ‘Why is not it within the ‘High 10′ but?’ And I wasn’t even within the High 100 on the time.
“My psychological capability was not ready for these sorts of expectations.
“I’ve all the time stated that I like this sport, however at that time in your life it additionally turns into a job. And it turns into duty, strain, expectations. It’s extremely troublesome to handle as a result of, as I all the time say, your mind isn’t ready to deal with that form of factor whenever you’re 18, 19… not earlier than the age of 25. Possibly I’d be prepared for this at 40 years outdated, however it’s too late. The method of maturity needs to be tremendous quick.”
The 2021 Indian Wells champion stated taking time without work on account of her again harm gave her a way of perspective.
“Once I was younger I did not take pleasure in video games very a lot. And I put extra strain on me,” Badosa stated. “After the harm I modified a bit.
“In fact I am not tremendous joyful if I lose, I do not ‘benefit from the experience’ or these clichés which can be stated, however I am having fun with it just a little extra, you realize? I attempt to discover moments to take a seat down and discuss to myself and inform myself: ‘Wow, you’re actually fortunate.’ I by no means stated that earlier than.”
Lately, former world No. 2 Badosa stated she’s attempting to take pleasure in each match as a brand new alternative and be kinder to herself.
“You’ll be able to’t put your self underneath that strain on a regular basis,” Badosa stated. “Now I am happy with myself, of this yr, I’ve loved myself once more, I attempt to take pleasure in myself.
“I’ve realized the onerous means, however it has helped me.”