Paula Badosa has remained positive despite being dumped out of the Miami Open earlier this week, proud of the progress she has made.
After all, the Spaniard’s goals are far below that of the past, where she would have seen herself battling for silverware where possible.
With injuries having really curtailed her career of late, now tennis is merely about recovery, with the titles unlikely to come anytime soon.
Her latest comments suggest she is more than okay with this though, as she took to X to issue a heartfelt message of pride.
What Paula Badosa said about her injuries
The 26-year-old battled well against her best friend Aryna Sabalenka but ultimately did not have enough to get past the fearless Belarusian, who exhibited immeasurable mental fortitude to battle through the match.
After all, it had not been long since news of her boyfriend, former professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, had emerged of his death.
A truly devastating turn of events, Friday’s match became a clash between the bruised duo who both wore their respective mental and physical struggles.
And whilst Badosa was quick to laud her opponent and friend, she also offered herself some well-earned praise: ‘3 weeks ago I was in a sofa without knowing when I would be able to play again, after that for the first time I was able to play during 8 days in a row since almost a year. I’m happy and proud of it. I know my level is far but the fact that I’m on a court, it’s a win. Step by step’.
This was followed by a brief rallying cry too, simply writing: ‘We keep fighting. Vamos’.
Paula Badosa is steadily progressing
Drawing the world number two in just the Round of 64 was a cruel twist of fate for a player who has been making clear and steady progress throughout 2024.
A run to the third round of the Australian Open offered flashes of her old brilliance, but injuries then ruled her out of the next two tournaments before she returned in Qatar.
Fears then emerged when she retired from Indian Wells, but this Miami Open showing has proven that these setbacks are unlikely to deter her from continuing her recovery, having beaten the returning Simona Halep in impressive fashion earlier in the week.
Badosa is a true warrior, and showcases that spirit every time she steps foot onto the court.
Hopefully, as the year goes on, she can maintain her fitness and hope that she strikes into a rich vein of form in time to compete later on in the season.
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