Paula Badosa (25 years old, 31 WTA) has been compared with the Russian Maria Sharapova (35 years old) since the beginning of her career, but this has done her more harm than good.

Paula BadosPhoto: Rob Prange / Zuma Press / Profimedia

The Pyrenean athlete was often called the “new Sharapova”, but this did not motivate her, but caused severe depression.

“I didn’t mind being compared to a very stylish legend who played tennis very well. But I wasn’t used to the pressure they were putting on me, and I didn’t know how to handle it. Everyone expected me to be in the top 10 at 18, but I wasn’t mentally and physically ready for that.

I had a lot of mental problems because my mind was not ready to listen to these things. For two or three years I tried to fight depression. It was very difficult because I didn’t go up in the rankings and I lost a lot,” said Paula Badosa, quoted by The Sun.

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