Facing fear fueled Paula Badosa to the biggest title of her career.
Last October, a stubborn Badosa Badosa edged Victoria Azarenka 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-6(2) to become the first Spanish woman to win the BNP Paribas Open.
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The three hour, four minute thrill ride of a final with featured superb shotmaking with both women exuding pure warrior spirit. It was the longest Indian Wells women's final in history and the longest WTA final of the season.
In retrospect, Badosa said facing fear and allowing herself to attack her shots empowered her BNP Paribas Open title.
In an interview with Players Voice for Eurosport, Badosa detailed the power of perspective helping her combat "the fear of losing can kill you."
"Sometimes in a final your nerves can prevent you from playing a good match, but we both played at a very high level and it meant even more to beat a player like her," Badosa told Eurosport. "The biggest learning I took from that match is the realization of my own mental strength. You will never stop having tough moments on court - there are always fears and it’s a constant battle, so to know you can overcome those fears is really important.
"The fear of losing can kill you and there isn’t an easy fix, it’s a process you just have to push through. I think the key is simply to face your fears, no matter how badly you go through them and just trust that the bad times won’t define you. I would also always recommend surrounding yourself with the right people because when you’re insecure about your performance and experiencing challenges, it’s very important to talk about it, especially with mental health professionals like psychologists and coaches. Few people can keep going if they internalise negative thoughts and feelings."
Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal, Badosa's tennis hero, continues to inspire her mental outlook on the sport as she climbs the rankings.
"Rafael Nadal is the reference point for me," Badosa told Eurosport. "He is a worker, a fighter and has a great mentality. I admire him more and more. Results-wise, I'm never going to get close to him, but now I'm one of the best in the world, I can understand the pressures you have when you’re at that level and can see how well he manages it.
"It seems to me that he is not from this planet mentally and that is even more inspirational. He has always been an example that I have looked at when I have faced difficult moments and if I want to emulate someone, it is Nadal."
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook