Paula Badosa's tennis since her comeback from injury has been impressive, but she is also willing to talk about big decisions off the court, like becoming a mother.
The Spaniard's tennis has been terrific in recent months. Some wondered whether she could reach a high level again after many physical issues, but she is proving the doubters wrong.
Badosa missed much of last season with a long-term injury. Her return to the sport has contained setbacks, such as having to retire against Diana Shnaider at the Hua Hin Championships in January and against Aryna Sabalenka in Stuttgart in April.
However, the 26-year-old has shown remarkable resilience to overcome those challenges and has been rewarded with some great wins recently. She defeated Katie Boulter and Yulia Putintseva at the French Open, who beat Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
Badosa also had a solid run to the fourth round of Wimbledon, including a superb triumph against Eastbourne International winner Daria Kasatkina. It was an emotional win, which led to Badosa crying at the end of the match.
The Spaniard's relationship status also generates a lot of media attention. Badosa is dating fellow tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was recently slammed by fans who thought he was mocking his girlfriend.
Despite this, Badosa defended Tsitsipas and attacked what she believes are disrespectful comments about her relationship. Having a romantic relationship with another public figure undoubtedly creates challenges.
Although Badosa is unhappy with some of the rhetoric surrounding her relationship with Tsitsipas, she spoke openly about becoming a mother in the future. In an interview with La Vanguardia, the former Grand Slam quarterfinalist discussed how her younger age has affected her feelings about motherhood.
"It (motherhood) has always been very important to me and I have had it in mind since I was little. I have always said that I would like to be a mother, obviously, I still have a long way to go, but it is something that I feel especially with my sister, who is 11 years younger than me and with whom I have always felt a very internalized maternal part."
Badosa was also very clear about what she wanted in the future. The Spanish star intends to become a mother, which was made very obvious in her interview with La Vanguardia.
"It (motherhood) is something that I want in the future and that will make me very excited when it comes."
The world No. 65 also spoke about her motherly feelings towards her younger sister in an interview she did for the Women's Tennis Association in collaboration with Morgan Stanley. Badosa mentioned the financial support she is giving her sister to help support her studies in the United States.
"My younger sister, she’s 15 years old. Her name is Jana. We have a 10-year difference so I always felt that, of course, I’m her older sister but as I say, at the same time, I always felt like I had to like, be her second mom. "
"I protect her so much, especially the role I’m playing right now with her right now, it’s financially, I’m helping her. Her dream was always to come here to the US, to study, to learn English."