“Capable of Moving People”: Paula Badosa on ‘Unique’ Quality of Rafael Nadal

The impact of Rafael Nadal on the tennis world is undoubtedly huge as he continues to strive hard in order to put up yet another memorable season for fans next year. While one could go on for hours talking about his racquet skills, there will be unanimous thumbs up from all quarters concerning his on-court conduct over the years.

Paula Badosa reveals Nadal’s influence

All these attributes are more than enough for tennis admirers to cheer for the Spaniard. Considering Nadal’s impact on Spain, imagine the impact of Rafa on Paula Badosa, the WTA singles player who made her mark this year by winning the Indian Wells title.

Talking to a Spanish radio sports program named El Larguero, Badosa revealed her adulation for Nadal and mentioned why he was so loved by fans across the globe.

“Rafa has one thing that, for me, makes him unique: he is capable of moving people by playing tennis“.

@PaulaBadosa, sobre @RafaelNadal y la anécdota con él cuando tenía 13 ó 14 años

“Dije que no me iba a lavar la mano”

“Rafa tiene una cosa que, para mí, le hace único: es capaz de emocionar a la gente jugando a tenis” pic.twitter.com/slZkfbA724

— El Larguero (@ellarguero) December 10, 2021

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Badosa really found her groove at the European clay-court season this year. She reached the semi-finals at Madrid and reached the final four in Serbia as well. At Roland Garros, the Spaniard managed to reach the last eight, before losing out to Tamara Zidansek in a gripping three-set encounter.

At the US hard-court summer, Badosa made it to the quarter-finals at Cincinnati and went on to claim the title at Indian Wells, defeating the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, etc.,

Tennis – WTA Tour Finals – Panamerican Tennis Center, Guadalajara, Mexico – November 13, 2021 Spain’s Paula Badosa celebrates winning her group stage match against Greece’s Maria Sakkari REUTERS/Henry Romero

Badosa admits getting intimidated on meeting Rafael Nadal

This title run gave opportunity for the Spaniard to qualify for the WTA Finals in Guadalajara. At her maiden year-end championships, Badosa reached the semis after stunning the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Maria Sakkari.

Earlier this year, Paula Badosa revealed her initial intimidation on seeing Rafael Nadal during her initial stages as a pro on the WTA tour.

“I have always said he is my idol and for five years I have begun to coincide more with him. I remember in the first tournaments, that I saw Rafa Nadal and I was very intimidated by everything he has achieved”.

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

The recent success of Badosa on the WTA tour would have surely built her confidence as she aims for a Grand Slam title next year.

Also read: “Better Stay Being a Good Tennis Player”: British Legend’s Advice for Emma Raducanu

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