"I always root for her": Coco Gauff sent Paula Badosa a message due to injury struggles
WTAMonday, 13 May 2024 at 01:30
Coco
Gauff commented that she has sent messages of support to Paula Badosa for her
injury problems and that they have a friendly relationship despite not being
close friends. The 20-year-old star will face the Spaniard in the fourth round
of the Rome Open.
Badosa
leads the head-to-head by 3-1, and she claimed victory in their only clay court
encounter back in the 2023 Madrid Open (6-3, 6-0). The 26-year-old tennis
player rose to world No. 2 and won the Indian Wells title, but injuries have
prevented her from maintaining her position at the top, and she has been
limited in her ability to compete over the past year. In fact, she ended the
2023 season in early July after an injury during Wimbledon kept her out for six
months.
Gauff shares details of her relationship with Badosa
Paula
Badosa recently commented that Gauff was one of the players who approached her
and offered support during her long absence due to injury. In a press
conference prior to their match, Coco was asked if she has a close relationship
with her upcoming opponent: "Paula
and I, we aren’t close friends, but we are friendly with each other," Gauff commented.
Read also
"I think
she’s a nice girl. She’s always been nice. Her team has always been nice [at]
practice," the world No. 3 said. "I think she’s a player that loves
to play tennis. Unfortunate with all the injuries she’s had trying to come
back. Something else happening…" she added.
“I
felt compelled to just send her a message. I do that with most players on tour
that I know. I’ll send a message if I have their number or if we follow each
other on Instagram.”
Badosa is currently ranked world No. 126, but she is defending quarterfinals in Rome. A loss to Gauff would make her drop nearly 15 spots.
“Definitely
I think we’re pretty friendly on tour. We aren’t close friends. We’re
definitely in different stages. I feel like that’s a lot of me on tour. I think
she’s 25 maybe, so five years’ age gap. We’re never going to be close friends,
but I’m definitely friendly with her on tour. I always root for her,”
“It’s
going to be tough playing her. It is a tough matchup for me. I think she’s
getting back to her top form. She was No. 2 in the world, playing well. She’s
always dangerous regardless of how the past weeks have gone,” Gauff concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- Is there no one in Pro Tennis willing to give this one some form of intervention before she crashes??
mandoist04-09-2026 - Double Standards for the male players? Gross. BTW: This "apology" reads like the one his lawyers wrote for him when he had to go to the Kangaroo Court for slapping his girlfriend around.mandoist04-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not just the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
Loading
