Paula Badosa revealed that former WTA world number one Victoria Azarenka has helped her on and off the court to become a true inspiration.
Badosa faced Azarenka in the 2021 Indian Wells final and the Spanish player eventually edged the contest across three sets.
Looking back on the final from two years ago, Badosa said in an interview with Marca that the moment inspires her to achieve more in tennis. But, the 25-year-old also said Azarenka inspired her on that day.
"It [Indian Wells title] gives me strength, motivates me, and inspires me. For me, she [Azarenka] is an inspiration on and off the court."
Badosa also revealed some of the finer details that the experienced Azarenka, who has won two Australian Opens, shared with her.
"After losing the final, as competitive as she is and with everything she has won in her career, she came up to tell me that my visor was very sweaty and that I should change it because those photos were going to go out all over the world."
In 2023, Badosa has struggled during a troubled start to the season. An early season injury prevented her from competing at the Australian Open in January, while inconsistent form saw her crash out of the early rounds at Indian Wells and Miami.
As she looks forward to improving for the remainder of 2023, Badosa recalled the stunning moment when she won the Indian Wells title in 2021.
"I remember that after winning, I fell to the ground and many things crossed my mind and at the same time, I went blank. It was weird. I was in shock."
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