The US Open is about more than just raw talent—it’s a test of emotions and mental fortitude. Paula Badosa knows this all too well. Competing in the final Grand Slam of the year, the Spanish tennis sensation felt the weight of it all. As she battled Emma Navarro in the quarter-final, it became clear that the pressure was getting to the Spaniard. Badosa, usually composed, found herself struggling to keep her emotions in check. 

The quarterfinals between Emma Navarro and Badosa were anticipated to be thrilling. But to the surprise of the tennis community, and maybe Badosa herself, the match became totally lop-sided with Navarro dominating over the Spanish star throughout the match. This eventually gave a major setback to Badosa, as she cried inconsolably on the court. 

The 26-year-old struggled from the beginning itself, after losing the first set 6-2. But she bounced back in the second set and at one stage, it seemed she might push the match into the decider. However, destiny seemed to be in the American’s favor on Tuesday. Despite leading the second set 5-1, Badosa failed to win it. She lost 6 points to Navarro in quick succession, thereby losing the set 7-5, and eventually the match. This seemingly broke her heart as the Spanish star wept on the court itself.

For a player like Badosa who was mulling a retirement a few months ago, getting to this stage was not easy. This was reflected by the Badosa herself in her post-match interview after she whisked out Wang Yafan in the fourth round. “Being back here the year after with my best result in a Slam, it’s a dream come true, I never thought about it. And as I said in the last interviews, a few months ago I was thinking to quit this sport because I stopped believing in myself,” the 26-year-old said.

But she could not achieve her best Grand Slam result this time either, and the tears signified her frustration. As she once again falls short of winning the title, one question that looms large is about the future of Badosa in the tennis arena.

Can Paula Badosa take the ultimate call after the US Open defeat?

Paula Badosa has established herself as one of the most successful players in women’s tennis of late. But despite her skills, she has fallen short of crucial victories and has remained devoid of a Grand Slam title. While the injury woes made the star player ponder upon her retirement in the past, she remained determined to make a stronger comeback and eventually had a decent run at the US Open. 

Speaking further after her fourth-round victory at the US Open, Badosa revealed, “I always had this small part of me I had faith on myself, I had this belief that I could come back. I knew it was going to be a process that I had to trust, that I had to be patient, but I remember saying to my coach, ‘Look, I’m going to give myself this year, and let’s see if this can work out’.”

For now, Badosa believes that her game has improved and the motivation she has given to herself is working well for her. Despite a heartbreaking loss against Navarro today, the Spaniard would want to finish the season well. What do you think about Badosa’s future prospects?