Paula Badosa describes tennis as ‘lonely’ and comes clean about the importance of mental health

Paula Badosa believes that talking openly about mental health in “a lonely sport” like tennis is extremely important because for her the mental side is just as important as the physical health.

When Naomi Osaka publicly revealed her battle with severe depression and anxiety at the 2021 French Open, she virtually started a new trend in tennis.

Since then, players on the ATP and WTA Tours have become more transparent about their own issues.

Badosa, a four-time WTA champion and former world number 2, is also one of the game’s leading mental health advocates. In recent years, the 2025 Australian Open semifinalist has often spoken about her own struggles, especially after she was diagnosed with a chronic back injury a few years ago.

“Mental health is fundamental, especially in a sport as demanding and lonely as tennis. I believe speaking openly helps normalize something that many athletes struggle with in silence. Taking care of your mind is essential to performance, no matter your situation. I believe everyone should take care of their mental health in the same way we take care of our physical health,” the 28-year-old said. A&E Magazine.

Badosa’s deeply honest confession about mental health care from a few years ago

In 2015, Badosa won the French Open girls’ singles title. Because she resembled Maria Sharapova in constitution and play, it wasn’t long before she was labeled as ‘the next Sharapova’.

After struggling to break into professional tennis, Badosa admitted that the next Sharapova label and all the pressure placed on her was simply too much. And she began battling depression, anxiety and even panic attacks on the field.

“I remember being depressed for a few years and having a lot of anxiety. I was dealing with a lot of mental health issues. My mind wasn’t ready to listen to all those things and compete,” Badosa said in 2022.