Badosa's triumph in Washington: the triumph of a madwoman

There are stories that only tennis can tell.

That's probably the case with Paula Badosa's absolutely mad trajectory.

Former world number 2 and a true idol of the Spanish people, the Spanish nugget then saw her world come crashing down.

Crippled by serious back problems, she was faced with one of the worst possible challenges. Although the doctors had even advised her to retire, Badosa refused to listen, ready to do anything to continue, even to risk her health.

Undaunted, despite a dizzying fall in the rankings (140th in May), the 26-year-old gradually worked her way back up.

Eighth runner-up at Wimbledon, she did not wish to use her protected ranking to play in the Olympic Games, preferring instead to compete in the Washington tournament to which she had been invited.

The choice has paid off, as Badosa has just won her first title since Sydney in 2022.

Faced with a Bouzkova who had just stunned Sabalenka in the semi-finals, the right-hander gave nothing away, winning after a bitter three-set duel (6-1, 4-6, 6-4).

In tears after her success, there's no doubt that this victory has a very special flavour.

Ranked 62nd in the world a week ago, she jumped 22 places to 40th on Monday.

A resurrection completed.