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“Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams Told Me…”: Paula Badosa Reveals Valuable Advice She Received
Spaniard Paula Badosa has changed the course of her career in the past several months. Remarkably, she won her first two WTA titles this year, including the Indian Wells Masters recently. Moreover, with a 41-15 win-loss record, Badosa has also qualified for the WTA Finals 2021. Naturally, it has put an elevated pressure on her, but the 23-year-old enjoys it, courtesy of a lesson learned from tennis greats Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams.
In any given sport, pressure follows success. That is why it takes a champion mindset to deal with enormous pressure regularly. As a result, the rising Spaniard Paula Badosa has turned to Djokovic and Serena’s success mantra.
How Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams helped Paula Badosa deal with pressure
First, it was the WTA co-founder and tennis legend Billie Jean King who coined the ‘pressure is a privilege’ quote. It even had a second part that said, ‘it comes to those who earn it.’
Djokovic: “I feel a lot of pressure but I like that, because there’s a sign ‘Pressure is a privilege’ — a quote by Billie Jean [King] – and I truly believe and I live by that. So it’s an honor to be in this situation.”
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) September 3, 2021
However, the young Paula Badosa looked up to World No.1 Novak Djokovic and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and their gratefulness for success. Moreover, she expressed that not being at the top gave her more pressure.
“The old thing was pressure!” Badosa told La Vanguardia. “It is true that now I am more exposed and will be required to reach the semifinals or win titles. But I enjoy this pressure because I am where I want to be. Djokovic and Serena Williams told me that this situation ‘is a privilege.’”
(Translated quotes via Google Translate).
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 15: Serena Williams of the USA and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose with the trophies during the 2016 Australian Open official draw at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Furthermore, the current World No.13 opened up on the impact of being low ranked on the Tour. Badosa added, “Certainly when you are the 100th, less is expected of you. But that situation is overwhelming because it is not where you want to be.”
Consequently, the 23-year-old Spaniard would be looking forward to the challenges ahead. Let’s see if she can manage to overcome the nerves at the year-end championships.
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Badosa to debut in WTA Finals in 2021
Indeed, only the best eight players of the year qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals. Hence, it explains the kind of success Badosa has had in 2021.
Oct 17, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Paula Badosa (ESP) serves as she defeated Victoria Azarenka (BLR) in the womenÕs final of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Undoubtedly, the Spaniard wouldn’t want to stop here but make her dream season even bigger in Mexico. However, she would have to overcome the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Pliskova, Maria Sakkari, Barbora Krejcikova, Garbine Muguruza, Iga Swiatek, and the eighth qualifier.
Do you think Badosa will go all the way in the WTA Finals?
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