“I have worked to be prepared, Madrid is always a challenge”
MADRID, 27 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa confessed that she experienced a “roller coaster” in her debut this Thursday at the Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA 1,000 category event, a three-set victory against the Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, while recalling the challenge of playing in the capital, although with experience and work behind him.
“Yes, it’s easier for me to play anywhere than here in Madrid, but it’s something I’ve worked to be ready for. Maybe I haven’t played my best tennis in recent years, but I’ve also played well here. I can adapt, too. my game and everything. I hope this year is like that, but yes, it’s always a challenge to play here in Madrid,” he said at a press conference after its premiere.
The Catalan spoke once again about the demands and pressure of playing at home, although she recalled her good performance in 2021. Meanwhile, last year, when she arrived as number two in the world, she lost in her second match against Simona Halep. The table again holds an important rival to the Spanish as Coco Gauff.
“We have played against Coco a few times. She is a great server, aggressive, with a great backhand, one of the best in the world. She is very physical, but I think it will be a very tactical match. She made the final at Roland Garros last year. I like these matches, I know it’s a challenge, but I’m looking forward to playing against her and doing it with my fans”, he stated.
Badosa explained his debut and how it got complicated at one point. “It was a roller coaster game, to be honest. I started very well, I think I had it under control. In the second, good too, but I got nervous and I didn’t feel good. It was very hot,” she said.
“The match changed in five minutes. In the third set she played very well, she served very well, it was difficult. The ball flew very fast. I started cramping but I fought until the last moment. That’s always my identity. I’m happy with victory”, settled.