Paula Badosa hasn’t had much time to bask in the glory of her World No. 2 ranking.
The 24-year-old needed a wildcard to compete in the Mutua Madrid Open a year ago, where she advanced to the semifinals, best finish by a Spanish woman ever.
Following taking over as the new No. 2 after Stuttgart, she returns as the top seed.
Badosa laughed when asked how she was feeling ahead of her home competition.
“It’s stressful,” Badosa told reporters. “That’s it. That’s the word.”
“Nerves, it’s a tense situation. I’m really hoping to succeed here. It’s something I always say. Because I’m performing in front of my friends, family, and everyone else.”
“It’s unique. It’s even more special for me because I live in Madrid.”
“It’s insane. Everything happened in a flash, and it’s possible that this is where it all began. It’s extra special to start it at home, with all of my loved ones.”
“And returning to this place will always be wonderful. Of course, I’ll be apprehensive and feel the pressure, but I can’t wait to get started and feel the love from everyone.”
Badosa is well aware of her difficult assignment in Madrid. She could face two-time champion Simona Halep in the second round after facing an in-form Veronika Kudermetova in the first round.
Badosa, on the other hand, has reason to be optimistic about her chances after yet another outstanding tournament performance in Stuttgart, where she reached the semifinals.
Even as she celebrates her new career high of No. 2, the Spaniard, who was born in Manhattan, says she’s already working to modify her too ambitious mentality.
“I’m always looking for more,” Badosa explained. “I recall asking my coach, ‘Can I be happy [for] one day and enjoy it?! For at least a week?!’ Because I’m always looking for more and more. And every now and again, it isn’t enough.”
“But I believe it is a part of every player’s personality. It isn’t just me. Everyone is fiercely competitive when they compete at this level. I’m attempting to appreciate it for one hour each day.”
“I just try to stay calm and enjoy where I am because it has been a long and difficult trip for me. I’m still youthful because I was in the top ten at the age of 23.”
“Still, it’s been a long one, and I’ve been through a lot, so I’m going to try to enjoy it as much as possible. We only have one life, and I may not be here in a few years. You never know, therefore I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.”
So, what will it take to catch World No. 1 Iga Swiatek on the run? Swiatek and Badosa both had a chance to leave the Miami Open as the new No. 1 after Ashleigh Barty’s retirement.
Since then, Swiatek has simply deepened the point chasm.
“She’s winning every event,” Badosa joked, “so I feel very far away.”
“She has a few [more tournaments] before she can retire.”
“It’s a long way, but being No. 2 is good. Let’s see whether I can contend for that position in a few months.”
“Being in this position, though, is already a privilege. Let’s see what happens. Because this year is going to be difficult, I may have to wait until next year,” she added.
