Badosa: "I am better than expected, now I doubt myself less"

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One day left before Roland Garros 2025 kicks off, but there are still two days to see Paula Badosa make her debut in the main draw. It hasn't been easy to get here; the Spanish player has only completed about one and a half matches on this clay court tour. However, her words on this evening's Media Day have conveyed optimism for that first-round match against Naomi Osaka. Admittedly, she is still far from her peak physically, but it's tournaments like these that are worth the extra effort. These were Badosa's words during her press conference.

Preliminary feelings

"I am very happy with how I have arrived at the tournament, though the physical aspect is always the most challenging. Despite everything, I believe I have recovered well from my last match. The goal was to play a long match against a top player, and I was able to accomplish that, though I am moderately satisfied with my level. The past few months have not been easy; I was playing at a high level this season until I had to stop in Mexico due to a different pain that also affects me daily. I am feeling good now, although physically I am not yet where I want to be. I know it's a process, and I have to accept it."

No expectations

"I have to be realistic; of course, I could get excited about being close to another Grand Slam, but that is not the reality. Perhaps at Wimbledon, the situation will be different, but here, I arrive after having played only one tennis match in the last two months. The goal in Paris is to play as many matches as possible; every minute on the court will be valuable to me. I approach the tournament with no expectations. If I can play one match, good; if I can play three, great. Hopefully, things were different, you know I love Roland Garros so much, but coming from an injury, this is what I have to face."

Not everything is negative

"I am better than I expected, I will be honest. I was surprised by my level in Strasbourg, though it is still not the level I would like, and that can be frustrating at times, especially when I am competing and my body doesn't respond. But I am better. I played for almost two and a half hours a couple of days ago, and I was afraid of how I would wake up the next day, but so far, everything is responding well. These are good news before starting this Roland Garros."

Osaka in the first round

"I didn't think anything special; it will be just another match. Obviously, she is a great player, she has won four Grand Slams, returned two years ago from her maternity leave, and is close to being seeded again in these tournaments. But I am not worried; what concerns me is myself, how my back is feeling. If my back responds, I don't worry much about the opponent."

Mentally, calm

"Maybe from the outside, you don't see it, but compared to the last time I returned from injury, I am much calmer with myself now. And most importantly, I doubt myself less. Those words of 'not being capable' are no longer in my head, and that's the most important thing. Of course, the process is tough; it hurts to see yourself in a great moment and have to stop again, especially now that I know I will lose matches that I shouldn't lose. That frustration is not easy to handle when you are so competitive. It is a tiresome road, although I have traveled it many times already. But all of this is worth it, to compete and be back there. I keep telling myself, 'Hold on, Paula, good things will come'."

Tribute to Nadal

"I am going to try to be there to watch it; it's something unique. I have been watching a lot of tennis because I have been injured for a while, and Rafa came to mind many times, how much he is missed. It's not just about the game; it's about what he conveyed and the charisma he had on the court, along with his values. It's very hard to find something similar; now that he's not here, he is even more appreciated. Surely, the tribute tomorrow will be very emotional; it's the least we can do after all he has achieved. It's a great pride to have him represent our country."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Badosa: “Estoy mejor de lo que esperaba, ahora dudo menos de mí”