Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal admits he has noticed the rapid improvement and rise of his fellow compatriot Paula Badosa. Last year, Badosa won her first Masters title in Indian Wells, made the WTA Finals semifinal in her debut at the tournament and also broke into the top-10 for the first time in her career.
Badosa also made a positive start to the 2022 season, having won Sydney in January. “It’s amazing the way she improved last year. She increased a lot his level, her ranking. It’s a great story. She’s playing great.
She started the season winning in Sydney and she was able to win here a couple of months ago,” Nadal said of Badosa.
Badosa draws inspiration from Nadal
Badosa was in awe of what Nadal did in the Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev.
“There are no words for what he just did,” said Badosa. “It’s crazy. He’s one of the best athletes in history. It’s insane. He was two sets down, not against No. 70 in the world but against Medvedev, so it’s even crazier.
He’s an inspiration for all athletes. He’s my idol, what can I say?” Badosa said. Badosa, who aims to win a Grand Slam and reach the No. 1 ranking, described Nadal as the “reference point” for her. “Rafael Nadal is the reference point for me.
He is a worker, a fighter and has a great mentality. I admire him more and more. Results-wise, I’m never going to get close to him, but now I’m one of the best in the world, I can understand the pressures you have when you’re at that level and can see how well he manages it,” Badosa told Eurosport.
“It seems to me that he is not from this planet mentally and that is even more inspirational. He has always been an example that I have looked at when I have faced difficult moments and if I want to emulate someone, it is Nadal.”
