Rafael Nadal has been an inspiration for thousands of individuals. They’ve grown up watching the Spaniard dominating the circuit and been mesmerized with his incredible left hand. Interestingly, his incredible longevity at the highest level means that even some of the younger players on the circuit right now idolize Rafa.  

One such player is compatriot and Indian Wells 2021 winner, Paula Badosa. She has come across Rafael Nadal umpteen times and still gets mesmerized when she crosses paths with him. 

Read more: “My Body Is Old Now”: Andy Murray Makes Honest Admission After Record-Breaking Battle Against Frances Tiafoe

Recently, Badosa spoke about her interactions with Rafael Nadal in the past and stated, “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.”

(Quotes translated using Google translate)

Badosa would hide in bathrooms to evade Rafael Nadal

Badosa was star-struck when she came across Rafa. There were times when she would hide away when she was present in the same place as him. The nerves got the better of her and she would go hide in the bathroom. 

The 23-year-old further added, “I remember in some tournament of he would come to greet me and I would half hide or when I saw him coming I would go to the bathroom so he wouldn’t see me because he wouldn’t come out or introduce myself because I got very nervous. But now I’m getting used to it.”

Coming to tennis, Paula Badosa was last seen at Indian Wells where she registered one of her best performances of the season by winning the title. 

On the other hand, Nadal ended his season prior to the US Open 2021 due to a foot injury. We hope to see him fitter for the upcoming 2022 season and wish him a speedy recovery.

Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club