"I am aware that if I make it, I won't be 100%": Badosa gives Wimbledon update as recovery continues

Paula Badosa has spoken to Cadena Ser about her chances of playing at a good level at the next Wimbledon after her injury and about her relationship with the Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas, among other issues. Here it is:

Q: Do you plan to play at Wimbledon?

"The doctors told me that the minimum recovery would be 8 weeks. It's been 5 weeks now. My desire is to compete at Wimbledon, but I am aware that if I make it, I won't be 100%. I am doing everything I can to recover and give it my all. The injury is improving quickly, but I want to try to get on court this weekend to have a week to adjust. I'm fighting and doing everything in my power. I haven't had the chance to play any Grand Slams and mentally it's been a challenge".

Q: Do you think it's better not to risk it and wait for the US Open?

A: "The final decision will be made by the doctor. If he warns me that playing could make the injury worse, then I won't do it.

Q: You didn't play at Roland Garros, did you find it a long wait? Have you followed a lot of tennis?

"I'm passionate about tennis. I love the sport. During my downtime, I saw it as a way to keep training, so I've been following the matches. What happened with Carlos was a shame, he was playing very well, but he had an incredibly strong opponent. It was an even match. The cramp was a shame though.

Q: What aspects do you look at when you watch other players play?

"I don't care about the strokes themselves. I like to observe how players manage the match, their facial expressions, moments of tension.... For me, the ability to manage all those emotions is fundamental. Talent counts for a lot, but emotional management is key.

Q: How do you and Tsitsipas support each other in finding solutions?

"The connection we have is very special. We understand each other very well because we share our goals and also our personal lives. We have a strong connection: we share experiences and give each other a lot of support. We help each other to be better. He helps me even during his own competitions, we are always looking out for each other.

Q: If you had to choose between Tsitsipas and Alcaraz, who would you go with?

"Don't put me on the spot (laughs). But I have to follow my heart..."

Q: Do you feel anxious to get back to the top positions?

"If you had asked me this question in Rome, I wouldn't say I feel anxiety, but hunger. I wanted to be at the top. I was winning matches against top 10 players. But now, my main desire is to compete and enjoy myself. However, when I'm in full condition, I want to be back at the top.

Q: How are you taking things now?

"I have changed a lot compared to last year. I feel more confident. Before, criticism affected me more, but now I handle it better. I am very clear about what I want, who my close circle is. I surround myself with them, with my people. In an injury like the one I'm going through, which is complicated, I'm handling it in the best possible way and smiling a lot.

Q: What do you think about Novak Djokovic? He has surpassed Rafa Nadal?

"He has everything: mentally he's a monster. Despite everything he's been through, he's still competing at the highest level. It's unbelievable how he can be so superior in every tournament. From a technical point of view, he's the most complete. He also takes great care of his physical condition.... It's impressive. At the moment, you can't say anything other than he's the best. He has proved his worth. The numbers speak for themselves."