Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has opened up about her biggest regret when it comes to tennis legend Maria Sharapova. Badosa, who has long admired the five-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her disappointment over never having had the chance to compete against Sharapova before the Russian’s retirement in 2020.
A Childhood Idol
Badosa has often spoken about how Sharapova was her inspiration growing up. The Spanish player, currently one of the top competitors on the WTA Tour, admired Sharapova’s fierce competitiveness, mental toughness, and aggressive playing style. In interviews, Badosa has acknowledged that much of her own game was shaped by watching the former world No. 1.
“I always looked up to Maria. She was my idol when I was a child,” Badosa revealed in a recent interview. “Her mentality, her fighting spirit, and the way she handled pressure were things I always tried to learn from.”
Missed Opportunity
Despite their overlapping years on the WTA circuit, Badosa never had the opportunity to face Sharapova in an official match. Sharapova, who retired in early 2020 due to ongoing injury struggles, stepped away from the sport just as Badosa was beginning to make a name for herself on the tour.
“My biggest regret in tennis is that I never got to play against her,” Badosa admitted. “It would have been a dream to compete against someone I admired for so long. I wanted to test myself against her and see how I would have handled the challenge.”
Badosa added that playing against a childhood idol is a special moment for any athlete, as it provides a full-circle experience of growth and development in the sport.
Sharapova’s Influence on Badosa’s Career
While Badosa never had the chance to compete against Sharapova, the Russian’s influence on her career has been undeniable. The Spaniard has often drawn comparisons to Sharapova, not only in terms of playing style but also in her approach to handling pressure and big-match situations.
“She inspired me to believe in myself, to work hard, and to stay mentally strong no matter what,” Badosa said. “I think her legacy goes beyond just her titles; she changed the way many young players approached the game.”
Badosa’s Own Legacy
Now a top competitor in her own right, Badosa continues to chase Grand Slam glory and carve out her own place in tennis history. While she never got to share the court with her idol, she remains motivated to embody the same resilience and tenacity that Sharapova displayed throughout her career.
As she forges her own path, Badosa hopes to inspire the next generation of players—just as Sharapova inspired her. And while the missed match-up remains a personal regret, Badosa’s respect and admiration for Sharapova’s influence in the sport continue to shape her journey.
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