By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Photograph 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.
Extra: Sinner and Cahill to Half After 2025
In a brand new interview along with her buddy, 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. “In the present day, once I give it some thought and look again, I am completely satisfied for all the things I’ve overcome, as a result of that has made me the participant or the individual I’m. A fighter.”
Exterior and self-imposed expectations early in her profession put heavy strain on the younger Badosa, who was dubbed the following Maria Sharapova by some, and concedes she didn’t at all times take pleasure in competing.
“After I was 18 years previous and I used to be an excellent junior participant,” Badosa recalled. “Taking that step ahead was not straightforward. You begin shedding, and folks assume you are the following 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 at all times mentioned 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 at all times say, your mind isn’t ready to deal with that type of factor whenever you’re 18, 19… not earlier than the age of 25. Possibly I might be prepared for this at 40 years previous, however it’s too late. The method of maturity must be tremendous quick.”
The 2021 Indian Wells champion mentioned taking day off resulting from her again harm gave her a way of perspective.
“After I was younger I did not take pleasure in video games very a lot. And I put extra strain on me,” Badosa mentioned. “After the harm I modified a bit.
“After all I am not tremendous completely satisfied if I lose, I do not ‘benefit from the trip’ or these clichés which can be mentioned, however I am having fun with it slightly extra, ? I attempt to discover moments to take a seat down and speak to myself and inform myself: ‘Wow, you might be actually fortunate.’ I by no means mentioned that earlier than.”
As of late, former world No. 2 Badosa mentioned she’s making an attempt 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 below that strain on a regular basis,” Badosa mentioned. “Now I am pleased with myself, of this 12 months, I’ve loved myself once more, I attempt to take pleasure in myself.
“I’ve realized the arduous manner, but it surely has helped me.”
