Paula Badosa was extremely emotional after winning her first WTA title since her chronic back issue diagnosis as the Spanish tennis star recalled how she was spending time on her couch 12 months ago and also gave credit to her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas for being the biggest possible support during this entire process.
On Sunday, 26-year-old Badosa won her fourth WTA title after beating Marie Bouzkova 6-1 4-6 6-4 in the Washington final. For Badosa, it was her first title since she won Sydney in 2022 January.
When Badosa won Sydney, she was ranked at No. 11 in the world – had won her first WTA 1000 title just a few months earlier – and was looking like one of the best players in the game.
But then, Badosa started to deal with injuries again and it all culminated in 2023 May after she picked up a serious back injury that has since been diagnosed as a chronic issue and threatens to end the Spaniard’s career early.
“One year ago I was on the couch, so it’s a big difference now. Now I’m an athlete again (smiling). I mean, winning a title after two years… What means a lot is I played four finals and I won the four of them. That’s what I had on my mind today also in the third set. I’m like, ‘Paula, you’re capable of doing this in another final.’ That would push me a lot today,” Badosa said.
Badosa on Tsitsipas’ support
Badosa missing the entire second half of 2023 – dealing with lots of doubts and uncertainty – and then having her injury diagnosed as chronic was all but an easy time for the former world No. 2. But she had her boyfriend by her side the entire time. And after her Washington success, the 26-year-old made sure to instantly call the Greek tennis star.
“it’s the first thing I did on court. I called my family and Stefanos, of course, because I know they’re always there for me. They’ve been in the tough moments. They’ve seen me very, very down this last year. I wanted to live the moments with them because of course without them I wouldn’t be here because they support me every day, 24/7,” Badosa said.
“There was moments that I didn’t know what to do with my career. They were there. I knew they were following, they were watching the match, so I wanted to call them.”