Paula Badosa recently shared how Rafael Nadal’s guidance helped her navigate difficult periods during her recovery from injury. Known for his resilience through multiple career setbacks, Nadal has been a mentor and role model to Badosa, who has faced her own physical struggles on the WTA Tour. The former world No. 2 expressed her gratitude, revealing that the 22-time Grand Slam champion offered her advice and support, particularly when her back injury threatened her playing career.
“He’s always been a person who has helped me a lot,” Badosa told EFE. “When I was injured, he gave me advice and was always there.” Although she has yet to personally thank Nadal for his recent retirement announcement, she expressed her intent to honor him with a fitting tribute when the time feels right. “I’m going to wait a little, but obviously I’ll get in touch and thank him again for what he’s done for me,” she added.
After limited play in 2024, Nadal plans to retire following the Davis Cup Finals in Spain, where he joins compatriots Carlos Alcaraz and David Ferrer in Malaga. Badosa, too, will compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November, representing Spain in what has been a comeback season for her after a challenging period with injury. Her return to form saw her rise to world No. 14, following a Washington title and strong showings at both the US Open and the China Open.
Badosa’s tribute to Nadal will be a heartfelt acknowledgment of his impact, reflecting his role as an inspiration and a supportive figure in Spanish tennis. With their participation in the season’s final tournaments, both stars will likely close their respective campaigns with the fervor that has long defined Spanish tennis.
Paula Badosa in 2024
Ranked no.14, Paula played her last match on the 19th of October when she had to retire when playing against world no.9 Darya Kasatkina in the semifinal and the scoreline was 6-4
.This season the Spaniard has a 37-18 match record. The Spaniard clinched 1 title in Washington.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.151, Nadal played his last match on the 29th
of July when he was defeated by world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).This season Rafael has achieved a compiled 12-7 win-loss record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant achievement of the current year was getting to the final in Bastad.
Paula Badosa and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Paula Badosa in 2024
At the moment ranked no.14, Badosa played her last match on the 19th of October when she had to retire when playing against world no.9 Darya Kasatkina in the semifinal and the scoreline was 6-4 .
At the moment, during this season Badosa achieved a 37-18 win-loss record. Paula clinched 1 title in Washington.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently the world no.151, Nadal played his last match on the 29th of July when he lost to world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Spaniard achieved a composed 12-7 match record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant performance of the current season was reaching the final in Bastad.
Paula Badosa and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |