MADRID, 15 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa, who this morning made her way to the semifinals of the Indian Wells tournament after beating German Angelique Kerber (6-4, 6-3), has assured that this victory is “a step forward” in her career and gives you “even more confidence”.
“I’m even more confident. When I win a good match, I believe more in myself. Of course, I don’t see it as normal. I’m very excited every time I win, but I’m getting more used to this, so I’m happy about that too. I think it is a step forward for me, “he said at a press conference.
The Catalan became the first Spaniard since 2003 to reach the penultimate round of the US tournament, all after defeating an “incredible champion.” “Before my game I was talking to my coach. I was telling him, ‘Three years ago I was on the couch watching her play a Grand Slams final’. I was number 200,” she recalled.
“She is a really tough player. I have seen her play a lot, but on the court she is really deceptive, she opens the court a lot. Sometimes she plays short balls but then very long. She plays very tactically. At first it was strange, she runs a lot, she sees all of them. the balls where you’re going to hit. It was pretty tough, “he added about Kerber.
In addition, he pointed out the key moment of the match against the German. “In the 5-2 game I was very nervous. 5-3, 5-4 to 5-5, she played an incredible game. Of course she was nervous, but she is an incredible champion. The champions play well at times. important and limits “, indicated.
Now, Badosa will face Tunisian Ons Jabeur for a place in the final. “I hope he eats a lot of hamburgers tonight and can’t play,” he said with a laugh. “We were talking now. It is very fun to play against her. We are very good friends, it will be difficult,” she explained.
“I have always said that she is one of the most talented players in the world. She is having an incredible year. It is good to see all these players who were a few years ago outside the ‘Top 100’ being now ‘Top 10’, ‘Top 20’ , fighting for the finals. It’s incredible. I’m happy to be able to play against her, “he continued.
In this sense, the Spanish recognized that it is a relief to be able to have friends on the circuit, especially in a “so lonely” sport. “I’m lucky to have a lot of good relationships with the players, I think it’s important. You only compete on the track, but off the track you can have a good relationship,” he stressed.
“At the end of the day, you spend more time with them than with your own family, they become even more like your family. I think it’s nice. I’m very competitive, but on the track. Off the track, I don’t feel that way. happy to say that they are my friends, “he concluded.