From tennis now | @Tennisnow | Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Photo Credit: Matthew Calvis
A revival Paula Badosa reached Australian Open’s semifinal to return to the top 10 places.
Now, Badosa is reflecting on some of her darkest days in the game that led to depression.
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In a new interview with her friend, Caroline Garcia, In her podcast -in Tennis clubBadosa opens in the mental health wars she faced earlier in her career.
“I was never ashamed to say this: I have had mental health issues,” Badosa Garcia told him. “Today, when I think about it and look back, I’m happy about everything I have overcome because it has made me the player or person I am. A warrior.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vntp6xhzw8g
External and self-imposed expectations at the beginning of her career puts great pressure on the new Badosa, which was called by Maria Sharapova by some, and admits that she did not always enjoy competing.
“When I was 18 and I was a very good young player,” Badosa recalled. “Getting this step forward was not easy. You start losing, and people think you are another sharapova.” Why isn’t it in ‘Top 10’ yet? ‘And I wasn’t even in the first 100 at the time.
“My mental capacity was not prepared for those types of expectations.
“I have always said I love this sport, but at that point of your life also becomes a job. And it becomes responsible, pressure, expectation. Also very difficult to manage because, as I always say, your brain is not prepared for it Treated that kind of thing when you are 18, 19 … not before the age of 25.
The 2021 Indian Wells champion said that the rest of time due to her damage to her back gave her a prospective feeling.
“When I was young I didn’t like games a lot. And I put more pressure on me,” Badosa said. “After the injury I changed a little.
“Of course I’m not super happy if I lose, I don’t ‘enjoy the journey’ or those clichés that are said, but I’m enjoying a little more, you know? I try to find moments to sit and talk to myself And tell yourself, ‘Wow, you are really lucky’.
These days, former Bota No. 2 Badosa said she is trying to enjoy every match as a new opportunity and be more loved for herself.
“You can’t put yourself under that pressure all the time,” Badosa said. “Now I’m proud of myself, this year, I enjoyed myself again. I try to enjoy myself.
“I’ve learned the hard way. But that has helped me.”
