Paula Badosa breaks down in tears as she bags her first title since 2022 at 2024 Citi Open, claims to feel like “top athlete again”

Paula Badosa is happy that she is able to play at his best level again while she was struggling with injuries a few months back.

Paula Badosa breaks down in tears as she bags her first title since 2022 at 2024 Citi Open, claims to feel like “top athlete again”

Paula Badosa celebrates after her title win at 2024 CIti Open (Images via Imago)

Spanish WTA star Paula Badosa has rediscovered her old self as the 26-year-old clinched the title at the 2024 Citi Open. Badosa defeated Marie Bouzkova in three sets on Sunday (August 4) to lift her first title since 2022 and its importance was evident from the Spaniard’s winning celebration. Badosa fell to the ground and broke down in tears as she won the match against Bouzkova.

She kissed the court, covered her face in disbelief, and lay on the ground for several minutes. Badosa was overwhelmed with emotions as she won a tour-level title for the time since January 2022. The former World No. 2 was happy about being able to play at the top level after the kind of injury she suffered last year.

YouTube video

After overcoming all the emotions and recollecting herself, Badosa was jumping for joy with the trophy in her hand. She kissed the glittering trophy to celebrate her win.

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The Spaniard also shared a post on X, expressing her delight about winning the fourth tour-level title. Badosa earned the title with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Czech Marie Bouzkova at the WTA 500 hardcourt event in Washington, D.C.

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Paula Badosa

Paula Badosa feeling like top athlete after win in Washington

Paula Badosa is proud of herself after clinching the title in Washington. The former World No. 2 said that she is feeling like a “top athlete” again. During the trophy presentation ceremony, Badosa remembered how she was lying on a couch last year by this time.

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa (Image via Imago)
One year ago I was on the couch, so it's a big difference now. I'm an athlete again … winning a title after two years. I've played four finals and won four of them. That's what I had on my mind today in the third set. I'm like 'Paula, you're capable of doing this in another final'.
Paula Badosa said after her win on Sunday. (H/T: Reuters)

Nevertheless, the Spaniard is back to feeling best. She said that having won all three of her last finals, she was confident of pulling it off on Sunday. 

 I think now I'm in a really good place. I felt before I was at a pretty high level because I'm playing against the best players and I'm close. I think I'm on my way. I don't want to say I'm back because I don't know. I want to test myself a bit more.
Paula Badosa added

Notably, Badosa, who fell out of the Top 100 after suffering a stress fracture in her back last season, has been making steady progress. Building on a Round of 16 run at Rome, Badosa went on to make the Bad Homburg quarterfinals and Round of 16 at Wimbledon.

Her Wimbledon run was her first second-week appearance at a Grand Slam since 2022. Now, she has won a WTA 500 title. Badosa would hope to carry the momentum into the 2024 US Open and put on a show in New York.

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