Naomi Osaka and tough draws seem to be a never-ending story. Previously, the tennis world has seen Osaka expressing her thoughts on the challenges of facing tough draws in tennis, often emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude and resilience alongside her physical skills. At the first Grand Slam of the season, she had to face the former world number 4, Belinda Bencic, in the third round. Now, in the second major tournament of the 2025 season, she had to face the former world number 2, Paula Badosa. Speaking about this match, Osaka had earlier said, “I was supposed to play her in Rome, but she was injured, so I didn’t get to play her, but I was really looking forward to it because I know she’s a good player. It’s kind of crazy that we have both been on tour, but we haven’t played each other yet.” After this match, the Spaniard shared a very interesting take on this draw.

In this first-round clash, Paula Badosa defeated the former world number one, Naomi Osaka, by 6(1)-7,6-1,6-4. But after this win, the Spaniard was heard claiming, “When I saw the draw.. I was really looking forward to playing Naomi. She’s a player I respect a lot, what she did on and off court. I love her tennis. So I was excited. Honestly, it’s not fair to play her first round. But I’m really happy with the level, especially coming from an injury.”

Both these players have had quite a few challenges in the last couple of years. After having gone through a tough 2024 season, Naomi Osaka got off to a flying start in 2025, reaching the final at the ASB Classic and then making it to the third round at the AO (this was also her best finish at the tournament since 2022). On the other hand, Paula Badosa was sidelined for most of the 2023 season due to her injuries. Although she came back in 2024, Badosa struggled to perform in the initial phase. At one point, she even thought about retirement due to her persistent injuries, but in the later phase of the season, she came back strongly and finished the year, clinching the WTA Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Although Osaka (49) has earned a place inside the Top 50, she’s still far from her golden phase. Paula Badosa is currently ranked 10th in the world, but she’s yet to win a title this season. So, both of them desperately wanted to start off their campaign on a winning note in Paris. Despite losing the first set, Badosa did well to come back strongly in the next two. But what really inspired her to push harder in crucial moments of this match? Speaking about the 14-time champion, Badosa she pointed at his footprint on the court and said, “I have to say that when I was 7-6 down the first thing I did was to look over there. To get inspiration from Rafa. I’m like ‘Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was.’ Thanks, Rafa. We really miss you.”

With this win, Badosa has now won 12 main-draw matches at the French Open, the most she’s had at any tournament. She’ll now face either McCartney Kessler or Elena Gabriela Ruse in her next match. Can she be the one on the women’s side who would carry forward the Spanish flag higher at the 2025 French Open, in front of her “idol”?

Paula Badosa reflects her love and admiration for Rafael Nadal

Paula Badosa claimed that she got inspired by a courtside plaque bearing Rafael Nadal‘s footprint. Talking about drawing inspiration from her compatriot, well, Badosa hails Nadal as a “worker” and a great “fighter” on the tennis court. In a previous interview, she even recalled her first meeting with Nadal, saying, “He was my idol from a very young age. The first time I came across him, I got so nervous that I didn’t dare ask him for a photo and they had to ask for it for me.”

At the 2023 United Cup, she even got the chance to play with Nadal, and while sharing her thoughts on that dream-come-true moment, she said, “To play with Rafa watching is the toughest thing to do. At my match, I was praying for him not to come. It was 2-1 in 1st set & he appears. I was like ‘Don’t think that’s Rafa watching’ bc it’s very tough. Rafa is my idol since I was 5.”

Previously, we’ve seen players like Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz reflecting on the impact that Rafael Nadal had on their careers. Did he have the same impact on Badosa’s career? Well, Nadal gave her hope during the tough times. Recalling the tough phases in her career during a previous interview with EFE, Paula Badosa said, “He’s always been a person who has helped me a lot. When I was injured, during my recovery, he gave me advice, he was always there.” Now in the post-Rafa era at the French Open, the tennis fans have picked Carlos Alcaraz to carry forward his legacy in men’s tennis. Can Badosa do the same on the women’s side? How far do you think she can reach at the 2025 French Open?