FORMER world No2 tennis participant Paula Badosa has opened up on how comparisons to Maria Sharapova drove her right into a black gap of despair.
Spain have produced a number of the greatest tennis gamers on this planet with Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz main the best way in latest many years.
Paula Badosa has admitted that she went right into a black gap of despairCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Badosa admitted she couldn’t deal with the comparisons to SharapovaCredit score: PA
Badosa had success within the sport but it surely wasn’t straightforward at first as she suffered from anxiousness and despair from a younger age.
The 25 12 months previous spoke to Mark The Distinction on the clay courts at David Lloyd de La Finca.
She took the chance to recall why early comparisons to Sharapova took their toll.
Badosa stated: “It bothered me not as a result of they in contrast me to a legend who performed tennis very nicely and was additionally very elegant.
“Nevertheless it put stress on me that I used to be not used to and that I didn’t know methods to handle.
“Everybody anticipated me to be prime ten at 18 years previous and I used to be not bodily, mentally or tennis prepared for it.”
The previous world No2 defined that these comparisons put additional stress on her with folks anticipating her to win each match.
Badosa admitted she couldn’t deal with the expectation and rapidly slipped into despair.
She added: “I used to be coping with a number of psychological well being points as a result of my head wasn’t ready to take heed to all these issues.”
Badosa revealed she feels psychological well being continues to be a taboo topic however that’s it enhancing due to different athletes.
She continued: “[The conversation surrounding mental health] is enhancing loads due to the testimony of athletes like Simone Billes or Naomi Osaka, amongst others.
“Individuals see it as an indication of weak point and it’s the exact opposite. A head isn’t ready the identical at 18 years as at 35 to handle sure issues.”
The Spaniard admitted that she makes use of a psychologist and that it’s very useful.
When requested if sought recommendation, Badosa revealed: “Sure, and it helps me loads.
“I’ve a crew and an atmosphere that additionally helps me loads and that’s extra involved about Paula as an individual than Paula as a tennis participant.
“They make me see that in the event you enhance every single day and you’re feeling good with your self, if there may be expertise, the outcomes find yourself coming.”
Badosa most not too long ago misplaced within the quarter last of final weekend’s Charleston Open to the richest tennis participant on the planet, Jessica Pegula.
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When you, or anybody you understand, wants assist coping with psychological well being issues, the next organisations present assist:
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- Nervousness UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm