“It’s extremes for me”: Paula Badosa admits still ‘learning’ to play under pressure after series of poor results following Australian Open performances
Paula Badosa Opens Up About Handling Pressure and Her Love for Dubai
Spain’s Paula Badosa has spoken candidly about the challenges of playing under pressure, admitting she is still learning to adapt to expectations. The 27-year-old was once hailed as the next big star in tennis, but injuries have hampered her progress.
After a serious back injury forced her out of action, Badosa made a strong comeback in 2023, impressing with her performances. She reached the Australian Open semifinal, where she fell to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets (6-4, 6-2).
Recent Struggles
Despite her Australian Open success, Badosa has faced tough challenges in recent weeks. She suffered early exits at the Abu Dhabi Open and Qatar Open before competing in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
In Dubai, her run ended in the round of 16, where she lost a tight match to Elena Rybakina (4-6, 7-6, 7-6), despite having multiple match points.
Adapting to Pressure
Ahead of her match against Rybakina, Badosa spoke to Gulf News about the mental challenge of adjusting to higher expectations:
“It’s extremes for me. Four years ago, I went super fast from No. 70 to No. 2. Last year was the same—within four months, I was already World No. 11. So I always do it this way,” she said with a wry smile.
“Last year, I was used to being the underdog until the end of the season. Now, all of a sudden, I’m the favorite. Sometimes it’s tough to handle the pressure, but I’m learning.”
Love for Dubai
Despite the ups and downs in her career, Badosa expressed her fondness for Dubai, praising its lifestyle and facilities:
“I love the country. I love the city. I feel very comfortable in Dubai, and the facilities are amazing,” she shared.
“It’s easy to travel to many parts of the world, from Australia to Asia. There are a lot of players here, so it’s very easy to train with them, especially in the pre-season.”
Looking Ahead
As Badosa continues to refine her game and manage the pressure of expectations, she remains a strong contender on the WTA Tour. With her determination and talent, she will be looking to regain her best form in the upcoming tournaments.
