SUMMARY
- Paula Badosa's admiration for Maria Sharapova deeply influenced her approach to tennis.
- Sharapova's aggressive style inspired Badosa, leading to victories on the court.
In the world of tennis, where the dreams of players often clash with the pressure to perform, Paula Badosa’s story is an intriguing one. As she pursued her aspirations amidst the excitement of the sport, the influence of Maria Sharapova loomed large, shaping Badosa’s journey in unexpected ways.
Paula Badosa’s reverence for Maria Sharapova has been profound. In an interview, Paula confessed, “I have to be honest with you; she is like a role model to me, so I like to copy her.” This admiration wasn’t merely superficial; it seeped into Badosa’s game, infusing it with the same fierce determination that characterized Sharapova’s iconic style.
While their playing styles diverged, Badosa drew inspiration from Sharapova’s aggressive approach, leveraging it to clinch crucial victories on the court. The parallels between the two players became apparent as Badosa’s star began to rise, particularly after her triumph in the French Open junior title in 2015.
It was a moment that invited comparisons between Badosa’s ascent and Sharapova’s meteoric rise to fame. Yet, beyond the world of tennis, Sharapova’s influence extended to the world of glamour and success, setting a lofty standard for Badosa to aspire to, both on and off the court. As Badosa’s rankings soared, the legacy of Sharapova echoed the expectations placed on the young Spanish star.
However, the weight of scrutiny and comparison also followed Badosa with her rise in rankings. As Badosa remained determined to emulate her idol’s success, the expectations from both herself and others added a significant amount of pressure.
Why did Maria Sharapova prove to be a curse for Paula Badosa?
Amidst the praise and admiration, Maria Sharapova’s influence cast a shadow over Paula Badosa’s journey. The comparisons, once seen as signs of her potential, turned into a heavy burden, threatening to overwhelm her. Badosa openly admitted the weight of expectation: “Everyone thought I’d be a top 10 player at 18, but I wasn’t ready for that mentally, physically, or in tennis.”
The constant scrutiny and comparison pushed Paula Badosa to her limits, triggering anxiety and depression. As she navigated the challenges of professional tennis, Badosa battled demons on and off the court. The pressure to be perfect, fueled by Sharapova’s legacy, left her feeling lost, struggling to balance external expectations with her struggles.
Paula Badosa on being compared to Maria Sharapova: “It bothered me not bc they compared me to a legend who played tennis very well & was also very elegant, but it put pressure on me that I was not used to & that I did not know how to manage.” pic.twitter.com/fhGs3SOHMa
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 12, 2023
She admitted, “I was the No. 2 tennis player in the world, but Maria Sharapova comparisons drove me into a black hole of depression.” Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Through self-reflection, Badosa started to take control of herself, freeing herself from the weight of comparison with her idol, Maria Sharapova, and shaping her life path.