Paula Badosa idolized Rafael Nadal while growing up and she was quite nervous the first time she met Nadal which is quite normal for most people meeting their idols.
She was also quite young when it happened and the 13-year-old Badosa only dreamed about becoming a tennis player at that time. She met Nadal but she didn't have to courage to ask him for a photo so the moment was not immortalized on film but she remembers it vividly. Speaking to Marca, Badosa recalled the moment:
"He was my idol from a very young age. The first time I came across him I got so nervous that I didn't dare ask him for a photo and they had to ask for it for me."
On Nadal's demenour, Badosa said:
"He is always so normal, so polite and makes you feel so comfortable. Although I have to admit that every time I see him I still get nervous."
The experience also inspired her in how she treats her fans expalining:
"It still seems strange to me that people ask me for a photo, an autograph or to tell me that I am their inspiration. It is impossible for me to say no to anyone, so many times I stay there as long as I can because I have been on the other side and I know how exciting it is."
Paula Badosa on United Cup with Nadal: “To play with Rafa watching is the toughest thing to do. At my match, I was praying for him not to come. It was 2-1 in 1st set & he appears. I was like ‘Don’t think that’s Rafa watching’ bc it’s very tough. Rafa is my idol since I was 5.”
