World No.5 Rafael Nadal took the whole world by surprise when he won the Australian Open. What looked like an impossible task for Nadal, who had just recovered from a foot injury, created history by becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam events.  

Nadal received a colossal amount of warmth and love from around the globe for achieving this feat at a time when no one expected it. Recently, the fellow World No. 5 player and fellow Spaniard Paula Badosa recently revealed her admiration for Nadal. 

Badosa has always been vocal about Nadal being her idol. She recently spoke about Nadal’s Australian Open win and how the “Big 3” are inspirations for everyone. 

Paula Badosa shows respect for her idol, Nadal

Paula Badosa is in Dubai, where she is set to make her debut at the WTA 500 Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. Speaking to the media on the eve of the event, Paula opened up about Nadal’s victory in Melbourne Park.

She talked about her emotions when Nadal came back from 2 sets down to win the match. “I was shocked after watching the match. I’m still shocked. It was amazing to see him win a match after losing the first two sets. It’s not really surprising because it’s Rafa, but he did it against the number two in the world. I have no words.”

She further emphasized the fact that Rafael is her idol and his importance in the sports world. “Nadal is an inspiration to me. He is my idol. Seeing him do this gives me goosebumps. He is a very important person for our country and for the world of sport.”

Also read- “I Would Go to the Bathroom”: Paula Badosa Admits Being Shy in Front of Idol Rafael Nadal

Top Stories

Novak Djokovic Makes a Bold Coaching Move As He Looks the Challenge Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner in 2026

Russian Tennis Hit Hard as Another WTA Player Forfeits Citizenship

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Take Bizarre On-Court Decision as Australian Open Countdown Begins

Ex-WTA Pro Calls Out Media Houses After Personal Rumors Cross the Line

WTA Player’s Misbehavior With Ball Kid Triggers Backlash From Former Tennis Pro

However, not the kind to choose sides between the “Big 3”, she talked about their great achievements. “I hope that neither Nadal, Federer, or Djokovic will retire from professional tennis. They are amazing,” she said. 

In an interview in late 2021, Badosa revealed that she used to shy away and hide in washrooms whenever she used to see Nadal comings towards her. However, she also accepted that now she has started getting used to his presence around her. 

Both the players stand at the 5th spot in the world rankings. Paula Badosa will be next seen at the WTA 500 Dubai Open. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal is expected to play the ATP 500 Acapulco Open. 

Watch this story- The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis