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.
Extra: Sinner and Cahill to Half After 2025
In a brand new interview together with her good friend, 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, after I give it some thought and look again, I am joyful for the whole lot 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 get pleasure from 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“After I was 18 years outdated and I used to be an excellent junior participant,” Badosa recalled.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 other people 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 is very troublesome to handle as a result of, as I at all times say, your mind is just not ready to deal with that type of factor once 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 Possibly I’d be prepared for this at 40 years outdated, however it’s too late.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 resulting from her again damage gave her a way of perspective.
“After I was younger I did not get pleasure from video games very a lot. And I put extra strain on me,” Badosa stated. “After the damage I modified a bit.
“After all I am not tremendous joyful if I lose, I do not ‘benefit from the trip’ or these clichés which are 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 making an attempt to get pleasure from each match as a brand new alternative and be kinder to herself.
“You may’t put your self beneath 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 get pleasure from myself.
“I’ve discovered the onerous method, however it has helped me.”
