In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, comparisons are inevitable, and for many young, promising players, the pressure of living up to expectations can be overwhelming. Paula Badosa, a rising star in the women’s game, has been under the spotlight since her breakthrough in 2021, with many tennis pundits drawing comparisons between her and one of the most iconic players of the modern era, Maria Sharapova. However, the 26-year-old Spaniard quickly admits that while she admired Sharapova’s game growing up, she wasn’t ready for the label of “the next Sharapova.”
Badosa, who reached a career-high world No. 2 ranking in 2022, is one of the most exciting talents on the WTA Tour. Her powerful, aggressive game and strong mental fortitude have drawn comparisons to Sharapova’s playstyle and persona, but as Badosa herself recently revealed in an exclusive interview, the weight of such expectations has been difficult to shoulder.
The Rise of Paula Badosa
Born in 1997 in New York City to Spanish parents, Badosa moved to Barcelona at the age of seven, where her tennis journey began. She quickly rose through the junior ranks, becoming one of Spain’s most promising young talents. Her professional breakthrough came in 2021 when she clinched her first WTA title in Belgrade, followed by an impressive run to the quarterfinals of the French Open. In 2022, she made her mark on the tennis world even further, securing victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka.
With a career trajectory that seemed destined for greatness, the media and fans alike began to draw parallels between Badosa and the legendary Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most marketable athletes in tennis history. Sharapova’s mental toughness, combined with her aggressive baseline game and charismatic off-court personality, made her a global star. Many wondered if Badosa could take up the mantle of the next big tennis icon. But while the pressure of comparisons mounted, Badosa remained resolute in her vision of who she wanted to be as a player.
Badosa Reflects on Sharapova’s Influence
In her interview, Badosa opened up about how she grew up watching Sharapova dominate the tennis courts. “Maria Sharapova was one of the players I admired the most when I was a kid,” Badosa said with a smile. “Her competitiveness, her fighting spirit—it was incredible to watch her. She was an inspiration for me and so many others. I looked up to her when I was younger.”
Sharapova’s career was marked by numerous triumphs, but it was also riddled with challenges and controversies. From her early success as a 17-year-old Wimbledon champion to her comeback after serving a doping suspension, Sharapova’s career was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Badosa, whose own rise to the top was not without its struggles, could certainly identify with Sharapova’s resilience.
However, while Badosa admires Sharapova’s tenacity and the way she overcame adversity, she admits that she is not interested in becoming a carbon copy of the Russian legend. “I always try to be myself on and off the court,” Badosa explained. “I think it’s really important to be authentic. I don’t want to be the next Maria Sharapova or the next anyone. I want to be Paula Badosa. The pressure of being compared to her or anyone else isn’t something I was ready for, especially early on in my career.”
The Burden of Expectations
In many ways, the expectation to fill the shoes of a tennis icon like Sharapova can be a daunting task. As Badosa’s career has gained momentum, the comparisons have intensified. Media outlets, pundits, and fans all want to see who will emerge as the next big thing in women’s tennis, and for a period, Badosa seemed like a natural candidate. She possesses the same fiery competitiveness, a similar baseline game, and the type of personality that can captivate an audience. Yet, Badosa herself was not prepared for the weight of those expectations.
“When people started calling me the ‘next Sharapova,’ I didn’t feel like I was ready for that label,” Badosa admitted. “It’s a lot to live up to. Maria Sharapova is an all-time great, and I still have so much to prove. I had to learn how to block out that noise and focus on my journey, on becoming the best version of myself, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.”
The pressure of such comparisons can often hurt a young player’s mental health. In the case of Badosa, it led her to take a step back and reassess her goals and priorities. “I realized that being compared to someone else wasn’t helping me. It was making me doubt myself,” she said. “I needed to find my path, to stay true to who I am and what I want to achieve. It’s a process, but I’m getting there.”
A Champion in the Making
Badosa’s journey has been marked by more than just talent; it’s been a lesson in growth, resilience, and self-awareness. While her rise to the top has been impressive, it’s her mental fortitude that has truly stood out. Badosa is known for her determination and composure under pressure, and that has served her well in the highest-stakes matches.
Her performances at the Grand Slams are testaments to her potential. At the 2021 French Open, Badosa reached the fourth round, where she was defeated by future champion Barbora Krejcikova. In 2022, she reached the quarterfinals of both the Australian and US Opens, proving that she is more than capable of competing with the sport’s elite. The Spaniard’s tenacity and fierce desire to succeed on the big stage have set her apart as one of the best players of her generation.
But Badosa knows that there is still much more work to be done. “I’m constantly working to improve my game, to stay mentally strong, and to keep learning,” she said. “I want to win Grand Slams; I want to be No. 1 in the world. I’m not there yet, but I’m focused on the journey, not on being compared to someone else.”
Moving Beyond Comparisons
While comparisons to Sharapova may have once been a burden, Badosa is now learning to embrace them, but on her own terms. “I have respect for Maria Sharapova, and I think it’s flattering when people compare me to her,” she acknowledged. “But at the end of the day, I want to create my own legacy. I want to be remembered for who I am, not for being a copy of someone else.”
As she continues to mature both on and off the court, Badosa has also become more outspoken about the importance of mental health in tennis. She has frequently shared her struggles with anxiety and the pressure that comes with being a professional athlete. By being open about her mental health, Badosa has become a role model for others in the sport who may face similar challenges.
“I think it’s important to talk about the mental side of the game,” Badosa said. “It’s not just about the physical strength. It’s about finding balance, understanding yourself, and learning how to deal with the pressure. I’m still figuring that out, but I’m getting better each day.”
Conclusion: Paula Badosa’s Future
As Paula Badosa continues to carve out her path in tennis, she remains focused on the present and future rather than living in the shadow of others. While she may have once felt the pressure to live up to the hype of being the next Maria Sharapova, Badosa has come to terms with the fact that her journey is what matters most. Whether she wins Grand Slams, reaches world No. 1, or builds a legacy as one of the greats, Badosa is determined to do it on her terms.
In the coming years, tennis fans around the world will continue to watch Badosa’s evolution. While comparisons may persist, it’s clear that she is destined to make her mark on the sport. As she told us, “I’m not trying to be the next anyone. I’m just trying to be the best version of Paula Badosa.” If her performances in the past few years are any indication, that version will undoubtedly be one to remember.