Paula Badosa finally reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam after beating world number 3 Coco Gauff in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, at the Australian Open. But for the fiery Spaniard, this achievement is just one step in her relentless quest for a Grand Slam title.
“I’m never going to feel freedom until I win the tournament,” Badosa said after his victory. “It’s just who I am. Reaching the semi-finals doesn’t change that. I get on the court, no matter who is on the other side of the net, and I want to win so bad. »
Badosa battles injuries and doubt
Badosa’s path to this career milestone has been anything but smooth. Once ranked as high as world number 2, she fell out of the top 50 last year due to persistent injuries, including a chronic back problem that left her contemplating retirement.
“There was a point last year where I was very close to giving up,” Badosa admitted. “I just didn’t see myself performing at the level I knew I could achieve. It was mentally exhausting. »
In a last-ditch effort, Badosa reorganized his team after the Madrid Open, hiring a new fitness coach and nutritionist. The bet paid off. With tailored exercises and supplements, his back began to heal, and his confidence returned.
“Here I am,” she said, brimming with pride. “What we’ve been through as a team and how we’ve struggled, especially mentally, makes this moment so much more rewarding. »
A clash with destiny looms
Badosa’s victory over Gauff was a testament to his resilience. While Gauff struggled with 41 unforced errors, Badosa capitalized on his opponent’s mistakes with precision and determination, ending Gauff’s 11-game winning streak.
-The Spaniard’s next opponent will be either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. What adds intrigue to the potential clash with Sabalenka is their close friendship – a bond that will be cast aside in the heat of competition.
“When I get to the final rounds, my level rises. I want to give 100% and leave it all on the court,” Badosa said of the challenge ahead.
Eyes on the prize
Despite reaching a career milestone, Badosa is focused on the ultimate goal. The 25-year-old knows that anything short of a championship will leave her unsatisfied.
Her journey from near-retirement to Grand Slam contender is a reminder of the tenacity and determination needed to succeed at the highest level of tennis.
“I am proud of how far we have come,” Badosa said. “But that’s not where I stop. I’m here to win. »
