“I didn’t like Carlos Alcaraz’s manner” – WTA No. 47 Paula Badosa reveals shocking first impression that left her unsure about Spaniard

Paula Badosa, the fiery Spanish WTA star currently ranked No. 47 after a rollercoaster 2025 comeback from injury, dropped a bombshell on the Tennis Insider podcast (November 2 episode) about her initial unease with Carlos Alcaraz – her compatriot and the men’s World No. 2.

“After that I really took a liking to Alcaraz… because somehow, well I don’t really know, I didn’t really like his manner, because it seemed to me that he had a bit of a pretence, he smiles all the time.”

The 27-year-old – who’s battled back from a stress fracture in her back (missing most of 2024) to notch wins over top-20s like Ons Jabeur and a Beijing QF – was chatting preseason vibes, fashion, and coaching dreams when she veered into Alcaraz territory (timestamp 39:00). Her gripe? That trademark perma-smile came off as “pretence” – too polished, too perfect for a 22-year-old phenom with six Slams.

From Skeptic to Superfan: How Badosa Flipped

Badosa didn’t stop at the shade – she gushed about the turnaround:
” But then I got to know him better… He’s genuine, humble, and works harder than anyone. Now? I’d root for him every time.”
She credited shared Spanish team events (like the 2024 Olympics mixed doubles camp) for the thaw: late-night chats, gym sessions, and seeing Alcaraz’s off-court goofiness (he once prank-called her with a fake injury).

• First Meet: 2021 Davis Cup tie – Badosa thought the then-18-year-old was “trying too hard to be likable.”
• Turning Point: 2023 Miami practice – Alcaraz helped her with serve tweaks post-injury. “That’s when I saw the real Carlitos.”

Why It Hit Headlines

• Compatriot Clash: Spain’s tennis golden duo – Badosa (former No. 2) + Alcaraz (six Slams by 22) – are national treasures. This “honest” roast? Pure sibling energy.
• Timing: Drops right after Alcaraz’s Paris Masters QF loss to Ugo Humbert (November 1), where his smile cracked mid-match frustration.
• Fan Frenzy: X exploded – #BadosaVsAlcaraz trended with memes of his grin captioned “Pretence? Or just happy?”

Alcaraz’s response? Classic chill – a laughing emoji on her IG Story: “Paula, my smile’s free therapy! 😂 See you in Melbourne.”

Badosa’s 2025 Glow-Up (The Context)

Badosa’s no stranger to candor – she’s called out WTA scheduling and praised Alcaraz’s “killer mentality” elsewhere. This? Just Spanish spice.

Verdict: From “pretence” to praise – proof even champs get misread. Alcaraz’s smile? Still undefeated. Who’s your first-impression flop-turned-fave? 🎾😄