Paula Badosa cites example of Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Garbine Muguruza to highlight the dark side of the sport

Paula Badosa is going through a rough patch currently.

Paula Badosa cites example of Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Garbine Muguruza to highlight the dark side of the sport

Naomi Osaka (L), Paula Badosa (M), Ashleigh Barty (R) (Sources: Cosmopolitan/Tennis Majors/People)

Spanish professional tennis player Paula Badosa recently opened up about the dark side of tennis in her latest interview. She opined that the reason why there are so many cases of early retirements and mental health issues in the sport lately is because of its demanding nature and the fact that the players are very much exposed to the direct criticism of fans and media.

The player herself is going through a rough patch currently and can relate to the situation well now.

It's not by chance. It is no coincidence that you see Ashleigh Barty retiring at 25. Naomi Osaka going through a mentally difficult period. Then Garbine Muguruza… It is no coincidence. This is a very demanding sport in which we are forced to play more & more weeks & you are very exposed. It doesn't surprise me.
Paula Badosa via Elpais
YouTube video

Ashleigh Barty retired in March 2022, a year after her memorable Australian Open win, as she stated that she was not getting any sense of fulfillment from the sport anymore despite being the World No. 1. According to her, ranking felt like the least important thing for her at that point, and she had already achieved all her dreams. Thus, it was better for her to retire instead. 

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Naomi Osaka, on the other hand, is currently on a break from tennis to focus on her family and mental health. The player has not yet made her return to the court but aims to do it finally in 2024.

Talking about Paula Badosa, she is currently out injured as well. The additional heat that she has to face because of her relationship with Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas is what eventually led her to make these statements. 

Paula Badosa lashes at the critics for her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas 

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas started dating in mid-2023 and have been the power couple of tennis ever since. They are pretty open about their relationship but that obviously comes with a catch.

Tsitsidosa
Tsitsidosa (Source: Instagram)

Ever since the two started dating, both Stefanos Tsistipas and Paula Badosa have seen a massive hit in their performances. As it generally occurs, it was Paula Badosa, who was handed the short end of the stick by the media. 

That has hurt me a lot because with the whole issue of the injury, I have actually been able to dedicate myself quite a bit to helping him. 

Badosa said that they talk a lot about tennis and that they help each other a lot. The Spanish ace reminded that she often goes to the court to support Tsitsipas or to the gym to accompany him, always respecting the times, his people, and his team.

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