Personal relationships can take a toll when you have professional obligations to keep up with. That doesn’t happen if you’re Paula Badosa though. The Spaniard has seemingly compartmentalized every aspect of her life. From embracing her love for boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas to racking up impressive performances on the Tour, Badosa leaves no room for disappointment. Out of all of her commitments, her younger sister holds a special place in her life. So much so, that she caters to her sister’s needs like a mother!

Last year, during the third episode of My Journey: Paula Badosa, the Spaniard touched on a topic unknown to her fans, citing her fondness for motherhood. The 26-year-old highlighted that while the idea intrigues her, she has had practice tuning up her maternal side due to her younger sister, Jana Badosa, with whom the Spaniard shares an age gap of 11 years. “I have always said that I would like to be a mother, I still have a long way to go, but it is something that I feel especially with my sister, who is 11 years older than me and with whom I have always felt a very internalized maternal part,” Badosa revealed.

When Badosa took on the daunting task of stepping into the competitive world of tennis, her sister was merely 5 years old. However, the former World No. 2 always kept a close watch on Jana, catering to her well-being. This, in turn, enabled her to form a rather meaningful relationship with her sister and act as a second mom to her. “I’m her older sister but as I say, at the same time, I always felt like I had to like, be her second mom,” the Spaniard added.

Badosa’s emphatic nature was largely put on display with her sister’s tutelage. But that’s not it. The Spanish talent also finds a hitting partner in Jana occasionally while supporting her ambitions of pursuing higher studies in the States.

Paula Badosa indulged in a practice session with sister Jana at the Miami Open

In the same episode, Badosa shed light on her sister’s academic aspirations, as she voiced her enthusiasm about providing financial aid and moral support to Jana that would ultimately ease her transition to the life in USA and enable her to fulfill her dreams. “I protect her so much, especially the role I’m playing right now with her, it’s financially I’m helping her. Her dream was always to come here to the US, to study, to learn English. Her maturity is growing so fast thanks to that, so I’m very proud of her,” Badosa said.

Moreover, just like Badosa, the Spaniard’s 15YO sister also plays tennis. Though the youngster still performs on the competition level in Spain, every now and then, she partners with the former World No. 2 for a quick hit.

Badosa is currently performing at the Cincinnati Open where she has successfully commenced the hardcourt campaign by thwarting formidable challenges. Having reached the semifinals, the Spaniard will next take on No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula on Sunday, August 18, for a place in the event’s title decider. Do you think Badosa can go all the way and win the title at Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments below.