Maria Sharapova is a tennis legend that has inspired many generations. The Russian beauty could mix extremely well her incredibly aggressive tennis with an outstanding appearance. Therefore, in the last few years, there was a sort of hunt about who will be the heir of Maria Sharapova.
Genie Bouchard was the obvious candidate, especially after a fantastic season in 2014 when the Canadian beauty reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and the Roland Garros before being the runner-up at Wimbledon. However, Genie never managed to keep with the expectations, and therefore the hunt for the “new Sharapova” remained open.
Young tennis star Paula Badosa Gibert was one of the “candidates.” The Spanish sensation has the same sex appeal as the Russian beauty and also a similar aggressive stance when she plays tennis. Nevertheless, it is not unusual for young players to struggle when they are compared with Legends.
During a recent interview, Paula confirmed that she was struggling with being compared with Maria Sharapova.
“I took it in my stride. Maybe at the time when I was younger, I found it harder because of the pressure and expectations that come with comparing yourself to a great player,” said Badosa.
Paula Badosa had a very tough start to the season. When she was in Melbourne, she got infected by the coronavirus, and she was also symptomatic. That dented her beginning of 2021. Fortunately, the Spaniard has been finding her way, especially during this clay-court season. Barbosa has recently reached the semi-finals in Lyon, Charleston, and in Madrid. In addition, she has recently won the title in Belgrade
Paula is now in the fourth round of the French Open, and she is considered one of the top favorites to conquer the French major.
Badosa at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Currently ranked no.35, Paula owns a composed 22-7 record in 2021. The Spaniard is competing at the French Open where she ousted Lauren Davis 6-2 7-63, Danka Kovinic 6-2 6-0 and Ana Bogdan 2-6 7-64 6-4.
Paula Badosa Gibert will face the world no.21 Marketa Vondrousova in the 4th round. They have never played each other so far in top competitions.
The Spaniard clinched 1 title in 2021 in Belgrade.
