I’ve Had Mental Health Issues

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow  | Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis

A resurgent Paula Badosa reached the Australian Open semifinals to return to the Top 10.

Now, Badosa is reflecting on some of her darkest days in the game that led to depression.

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In a new interview with her friend, Caroline Garcia, on her podcast Tennis Insider Club, Badosa opens up on the mental health struggles she faced earlier in her career.

“I have never been ashamed to say this: I’ve had mental health issues,” Badosa told Garcia. “Today, when I think about it and look back, I’m happy for everything I’ve overcome, because that has made me the player or the person I am. A fighter.”

External and self-imposed expectations early in her career put heavy pressure on the young Badosa, who was dubbed the next Maria Sharapova by some, and concedes she did not always enjoy competing.

“When I was 18 years old and I was a very good junior player,” Badosa recalled. “Taking that step forward was not easy. You start losing, and people think you’re the next Sharapova. ‘Why isn’t it in the ‘Top 10′ yet?’ And I wasn’t even in the Top 100 at the time.

“My mental capacity was not prepared for those kinds of expectations.

“I’ve always said that I love this sport, but at that point in your life it also becomes a job. And it becomes responsibility, pressure, expectations. It’s very difficult to manage because, as I always say, your brain is not prepared to handle that kind of thing when you’re 18, 19… not before the age of 25. Maybe I would be ready for this at 40 years old, but it is too late. The process of maturity has to be super fast.”

The 2021 Indian Wells champion said taking time off due to her back injury gave her a sense of perspective.

“When I was young I didn’t enjoy games very much. And I put more pressure on me,” Badosa said. “After the injury I changed a bit.

“Of course I’m not super happy if I lose, I don’t ‘enjoy the ride’ or those clichés that are said, but I’m enjoying it a little more, you know? I try to find moments to sit down and talk to myself and tell myself: ‘Wow, you are really lucky.’  I never said that before.”

These days, former world No. 2 Badosa said she’s trying to enjoy every match as a new opportunity and be kinder to herself.  

“You can’t put yourself under that pressure all the time,” Badosa said. “Now I’m proud of myself, of this year, I’ve enjoyed myself again, I try to enjoy myself.

“I have learned the hard way, but it has helped me.”