Badosa, sincere before debut: "I would lie to you if I said I'm at 100%"

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With a smile and happy to play at home, Paula Badosa sat in the VIP Club of Mutua Madrid Open 2025 to meet with the journalists at the tournament. It has been several weeks away from competition, a break planned exclusively for this week, where she will play again in front of all her fans. With a few days still left before the debut, the top Spanish player of the ranking shared her emotions at one of the most special stops of the year.

Is she recovered?

"I would be lying if I said I am in full form or 100%. I am recovering, perhaps it has been one of the toughest recoveries, as it has been a different injury from those I had before. Exactly on the other side, it was touching the nerve, I had a really hard time in normal life because the pain was constant, it was hard for me to sleep and even walk. I had a couple of injections, the first one didn't go well but the second went better. Obviously, every morning I wake up scared, but for now the feedback is positive. At least I am able to train, I am getting in shape, and every day I am suffering a little less."

For a new comeback

"It's difficult, I don't have the answer or the solution, but I try to deal with it as best as possible, I try to disconnect, although I am 24/7 talking to the doctors. I am very grateful for their work because they are always there for me. Emotionally it is difficult to manage, in the end you start the season well, you see a certain dynamic, in truth I felt that 2025 was going to be the best year of my career […] After starting with so much confidence, suddenly you stop and it's not just the break, what is harder is returning to that level. It's very difficult because that level is lost quickly, the confidence goes away. It's a process that many people don't see but it's long and tough."

Sorribes's break

"I grew up with Sara since I was 13, we were at the same Academy, we shared many moments together, of course, we have a great affection. When I saw the letter it really affected me, it gave me goosebumps. There are few people who can empathize as much as I can, because of everything I know about her and also because of what I have been through. I sent her a message, for me at these moments, the most important thing is to make decisions for and by yourself. You only have one life, the most important thing is that we are happy and, if it has to be playing tennis, then great. But if it's not, well, also fine. She loves tennis, she is a fighter, I am sure she will come back, but right now she needs her time and to be happy."

In Madrid, more hope than certainties

"It saddens me that these years I always arrive in Madrid experiencing tough moments, but what happened in 2024 helped me a lot to prove to myself that, despite everything, I can return to the level where I am now, among the best. I can be in the top 10 or even higher. When you come back from such a long injury you always have doubts, I did it once before, but... can I do it again? To prove that again for the second time, within six or seven months, right now gives me a lot of self-assurance. At a time like this, after losing many important tournaments like Indian Wells or Miami, it helps me to see it from a different perspective. At least I know I am capable of returning to where I deserve to be, that gives me peace of mind."

Her relationship with the media

"I'll be honest with you, three years ago I hated all of you (laughs). I came here and didn't want to answer anything, but now I am maturing, I am getting older, the experience... it's not because you are doing something wrong (laughs). In the end, you understand, I do my job and you do yours, I understand how this works, so I handle it much better, I empathize with you and you with me. Sometimes I read things I don't like, some exaggerations about me, but also about Carlitos (Alcaraz). He is an incredible athlete, but every now and then they doubt him. It's part of this exposure, since I changed my mindset like this, I come here more calmly and answer more genuinely. That way, we all get along better."

Which qualities would she steal from her rivals?

"I would have the speed of Iga or Coco, since I am a larger player now, stronger and more explosive. Maybe I don't have that mobility, I don't move as fast as they do, being shorter and more agile. I would keep that agility, if I could reach the balls like they do... with my power, it would be perfect."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Badosa, sincera antes del debut: “Os mentiría si digo que estoy al 100%”