Paula Badosa spoke in a recent interview about the impact of menstruation on her, as well as the effect of the injury problems she faced.
After previously reaching No. 2 in the world, Badosa was disrupted by injuries for a considerable period. That included missing the final six months of 2023 because of a chronic back problem.
After returning, the Spaniard took a few months to find her feet. There were flashes of the devastating, hard-hitting game that made her one of the most feared players in the world when her game was flowing.
Badosa's fortunes began to significantly improve during the North American hardcourt swing. She won her first title in over two years at the Citi Open in Washington, overcoming Marie Bouzkova in one of the most underrated finals of the season.
That was followed by runs to the Cincinnati Open semifinal and the US Open quarterfinal. During the Asian swing, she missed a golden chance to make the China Open final but lost from a set and a break up against Coco Gauff.
Those achievements show Badosa is going in the right direction, and 2025 could be an exciting year for the Citi Open champion. She possesses a complete game that is undoubtedly capable of challenging for a Grand Slam.
Badosa's final match of 2024 took place on her birthday at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. She was defeated by Iga Swiatek in a high-quality three-set battle and jokingly accused the Pole of ruining her birthday afterward.
The former world No. 2 is one of the most open players in tennis during interviews. She demonstrated that fact again with some of her comments during an interview with Movistar Plus.
Badosa discussed the impact menstruation has had during her career, admitting to mood swings as a result, and also said she's managed physical pain from it as well.
"I'll be very rude, but it's a pain for us. In my case, I take it very badly. It's something that my team has absolutely solved. The week that is coming we prepare everything so that it doesn't affect me too much. Because yes, it affects my mood, but also my body."
The Spaniard also spoke about the time she spent injured. Badosa feels more mature after that experience and is proud she found the strength to overcome that after battling with her mental health during the process.
"Seeing you at the top and then falling back due to an injury. Not being at the level I expected to be and then seeing you back in shape. This whole process took a bit of work."
"Now I have more experience, more maturity. I'm going through the best emotional moment of my life. In these difficult moments is when I have worked the hardest, when I have had the most strength to overcome them."
She lauded the role of her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and expressed gratitude for having found a relationship based on mutual respect.
"He has been there in almost all my difficult moments and has been a great support for me. And we also have a very beautiful thing in a couple, which is mutual admiration. We respect and admire each other a lot. Hearing these words from a great athlete like him motivates me. The fact that your partner believes in you also helps."