Former World No. 2 Paula Badosa has expressed her gratitude towards athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles for highlighting mental health issues within the sports world. Badosa recently participated in the Charleston Open where she displayed a strong performance, however, she was eliminated by Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. In a conversation with Spanish daily Marca, Badosa stated that talking about mental health is not an indication of weakness and credited athletes like Biles and Osaka for creating a positive change in this regard.
Working with a Psychologist
Badosa confirmed that she works with a psychologist to help her better manage her mental well-being. She revealed that her support team is more focused on her personal growth rather than just her tennis skills, helping her improve every day and feel content with herself. Badosa expressed her belief that if an athlete has talent and is able to improve themselves personally, then good results will eventually come.
Overcoming Injury and Illness
Despite achieving a strong start to her season, Badosa was soon faced with a thigh injury and subsequent illness that disrupted her progress. However, during her recovery process, she managed to regain her competitiveness and hopes to return to her usual performance level soon. Reflecting on her journey, Badosa said, “It has cost me a lot. I started the year very well, but I got injured and it took me a while to recover. Then I got very sick and it was also difficult for me to link back games in a row. In Charleston, I was able to play three games in a row and I felt again how competitive I was before. Hopefully soon I will feel like the Paula I want to be again.”
Role Models for Mental Health in Sports
As athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka continue to discuss mental health openly, more individuals, including Badosa, are acknowledging the importance of addressing these issues. Badosa’s willingness to seek psychological support and praise fellow athletes for shedding light on such topics highlights the growing need for conversations around mental health within the sports world. The increasing awareness and support for mental well-being are likely to help many athletes achieve their full potential, both on and off the field.
