Engaging oneself with a warrior mindset isn’t easy. Especially when career-threatening obstacles stand to thwart all ambitions. However, Paula Badosa has proved otherwise. The Spanish talent has finally come out on top at the 2024 Citi Open. The sacrifice? It came at a great personal cost and in Badosa’s words, “one year ago I was on the couch, so it’s a big difference now.”

Badosa was over the moon after she bagged her first WTA crown in two years in Washington on Monday, August 5. The rain-delayed WTA 500’s summit clash saw the former World No. 1 lock horns with Czech professional Marie Bouzkova. Despite surfing through the opening set with ease, the Spaniard faced major resistance from her rival in the second set, allowing the latter to force a decider. In the third set, Badosa regrouped quickly as she held her ground to swoop the games in her favor, concluding the match with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Elated after realizing her triumph, Badosa fell to the ground with tears of joy. And that made sense. Enduring through her injury woes finally paid off.

The Spaniard’s past two seasons had been marred with injury concerns. Since the start of the 2023 season, her WTA campaigns were derailed owing to multiple physical concerns, which included a thigh injury and a recurring back injury. Furthermore, in April this year, she revealed resorting to injection to have a shot at continuing her tennis career due to the nasty physical constraints. This, in turn, forced her out of the top 100 ranking column. After making her return to the tour in January following a lengthy break, doctors advised her against playing on hardcourts or risk further problems in her career.

Furthermore, after pocketing the Washington title, Badosa took to her official Instagram handle to showcase her constant battle with injuries. Notably, the snap captured a plethora of bandages wrapped around her feet moments before she entered the event’s title decider.

Badosa’s run in Washington D.C. included wins over former Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Sofia Kenin and leaves her in good form ahead of the U.S. Open starting on Aug. 26. For the unversed, this victory was the fourth singles title of her career and first since January 2022. Badosa’s title run saw her surge 22 places to No. 40 – her highest position since July last year.

“One year ago I was on the couch, so it’s a big difference now. I’m an athlete again … winning a title after two years,” Badosa told reporters. “I’ve played four finals and won the four of them. That’s what I had on my mind today in the third set. I’m like ‘Paula, you’re capable of doing this in another final’. I think now I’m in a really good place.”

Moreover, the 26-year-old also paid homage to her loved ones, including her lover Stefanos Tsitsipas, following her DC glory.

Badosa lauds her team for constant support during struggling times

A career-threatening spinal injury can give a jump scare to almost anyone. Badosa was no exception. However, the Spanish star was fortunate to have a family, boyfriend Tsitsipas, and a group of supporting team members to stick by her side throughout the ordeal. In her victory speech following the Washington showdown, Badosa extended her appreciation to her loved ones for their undying support.

“They’ve been with me (through) the ups and downs – it was more downs than ups lately – so I’m really thankful for that. And I love you so much and this is part of you guys. A very important part of my life – my family. I know they’re watching also – mama, papa, sister, my grandma, my boyfriend. They’re so supportive always with me. So thank you.”

Badosa’s return to top form is still a work in progress: “I think I’m on my way. I don’t want to say I’m back because I don’t know. I want to test myself a bit more.” She will next witnessed in action at the Canadian Open where the Spaniard will hope to remain injury-free and aim to produce similar results.