Badosa's tears: "I didn't know if I was going to be able to continue playing tennis".
The emotion was intense for Paula Badosa after her victory over Daria Kasatkina (7-6, 4-6, 6-4) to qualify for the last 16 at Wimbledon (See video below). She hadn't reached this stage of a Grand Slam competition for 2 years, back then on the grass of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
In the meantime, the former world No. 2 (April-May 2022) has not been left untouched by injury. The most recent of these, a back injury sustained a few months ago, has seriously called into question her ability to continue her career as a professional tennis player.
Paula Badosa: "For me, it's very special. I mean, I know it's not my first time in the second week of a Grand Slam. But I think it's the most special of all. Because a few months ago I didn't know if I was going to be able to continue playing tennis. So to be here is... very special (sobs in voice)."