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 Prime 10.
Now, Badosa is reflecting on a few of her darkest days within the recreation that led to melancholy.
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In a brand new interview together 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 instructed Garcia. “At this time, after I give it some thought and look again, I am blissful for all the pieces 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 subsequent Maria Sharapova by some, and concedes she didn’t at all times take pleasure in competing.
“After I was 18 years outdated and I used to be an excellent junior participant,” Badosa recalled. “Taking that step ahead was not simple. You begin shedding, and folks suppose you are the subsequent Sharapova. ‘Why is not it within the ‘Prime 10′ but?’ And I wasn’t even within the Prime 100 on the time.
“My psychological capability was not ready for these sorts of expectations.
“I’ve at all times stated that I like this sport, however at that time in your life it additionally turns into a job. And it turns into accountability, strain, expectations. It’s totally 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 if you’re 18, 19… not earlier than the age of 25. Perhaps I might be prepared for this at 40 years outdated, however it’s too late.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 as a consequence of her again damage 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 stated. “After the damage I modified a bit.
“In fact I am not tremendous blissful if I lose, I do not ‘benefit from the trip’ or these clichés which can be stated, however I am having fun with it slightly extra, you understand? I attempt to discover moments to sit down down and speak to myself and inform myself: ‘Wow, you’re actually fortunate.’ I by no means stated that earlier than.”
Nowadays, former world No. 2 Badosa stated 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 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, nevertheless it has helped me.”
