The day Badosa met Sharapova

Paula Badosa experienced one of the most special moments of her week on WTA 250 in São Paulo. The Spaniard met in person for the first time Maria Sharapova, her childhood idol and one of the figures who most influenced her decision to become a professional tennis player. The meeting took place at Parque Villa-Lobos, where the Russian attended as a tournament guest.

Sharapova, a former world number 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, witnessed part of the day and also had the opportunity to watch Badosa during her quarterfinal match against American Mary Stoiana. The Spaniard won decisively and later was able to meet her idol off the court.

Badosa herself acknowledged that she was particularly nervous. "It was the best thing in the last few weeks for me. She is my idol, I was very nervous, I have to admit it. I saw she was watching and I got even more nervous, but it was something very special. A memory I will have for the rest of my life," she explained after the match to the Brazilian media TenisBrasil.

The most special photograph in Paula Badosa's gallery

The meeting was captured in a photograph that Badosa later shared on her social media. Along with the image, the Spaniard wrote a message dedicated to Sharapova: “Some people inspire you from a distance and then you are lucky enough to meet them”, highlighting how special it had been to finally meet the person she had admired since childhood.

The admiration is not new. The WTA itself notes Sharapova as Badosa's childhood idol and indicates that her dedication, work ethic, and values were an inspiration for the Spaniard to want to become a professional. Badosa has also reached world No. 2, although comparisons with Sharapova date back to her early years in tennis. The moment finally arrived, but now she cannot lose focus. This Saturday she will face Argentine Nadia Podoroska for a spot in the final.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El día que Badosa conoció a Sharapova