“I want to be more than a tennis player”: Paula Badosa balances Miami win with swimsuit launch

Paula Badosa returned to winning ways at the 2026 Miami Open, defeating qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 7-5, 6-3 to secure a much-needed result early in the tournament. The former World No. 2 arrived in Florida seeking stability after a disrupted start to the season, and her opening-round performance offered signs of progress.

The Spaniard had entered the event with a 3-6 record across her first six tournaments of the year, a reflection of ongoing physical issues that have repeatedly interrupted her momentum. In response, Badosa adjusted her schedule by competing at Challenger level in Austin, where she reached the semifinals, gaining valuable match rhythm ahead of Miami.

Against Sasnovich, the contest required control rather than dominance. Badosa managed key moments effectively, particularly in closing both sets, while also navigating the emotional demands of a first-round match against an opponent who had defeated her earlier in the season.

“I think handling the emotions, the tension, the nerves of first round, it’s never easy,” Badosa said to Tennis Channel after her first-round win, noting she had been “really looking forward for the revenge.” The win also positions her for a second-round meeting with rising prospect Iva Jovic, as she looks to secure consecutive victories at the same tournament for the first time since June 2025.

Badosa’s comeback continues to be shaped by physical limitations. Over the past year, she has dealt with recurring setbacks that have prevented consistent competition, forcing repeated interruptions to her schedule and affecting her ability to regain form.

Her recent decision to compete in Austin was part of a deliberate effort to test her physical capacity across multiple matches in a short period. Playing four matches in four days without rest provided a clearer indication of how her body is responding under sustained conditions.

“Well, I needed that, especially for my body, to play four matches in a row with no day off and seeing that my body was responding day after day after the fourth one was tough. But I think I need to put my body into that situations because it’s been tough for me and I’ve been stopping and coming back, stopping and coming back and getting that rhythm.”

Despite that progress, Badosa acknowledged that her current level is still below her previous standard. The need to adapt her game, while maintaining competitiveness against top-level opponents, remains one of the central challenges of her return. “It is responding as much as I can. Of course, it’s not the same as before. I need to handle it as much as I can and try to find a way, maybe also playing a little bit different, but it’s tough to change my game also than what I’m used to, so we’re getting there.”

The physical difficulties have also contributed to a significant drop in the rankings. Less than a year after returning to the top 10, Badosa now finds herself outside the top 100, a shift she described as particularly demanding from an emotional standpoint.

Alongside her efforts to rebuild her career on court, Badosa has used time away from competition to develop projects outside tennis. The Spaniard explained that her extended periods off the tour allowed her to invest energy into other areas, including the creation of a swimsuit line developed with her family.

The project reflects a broader intention to build an identity beyond tennis, something she has increasingly prioritised during her recovery. While her primary focus remains on returning to full competitiveness, Badosa indicated that these initiatives have provided balance during a difficult period.

“I always say I want to be a little bit more than a tennis player. So I’m doing this swimsuit line that it’s going to come out very soon. So I’m excited that I had time to invest in that, my energy and of course the jewelry that it’s doing very well.”

At the same time, Badosa did not minimise the difficulty of her situation. The contrast between her recent position inside the top 10 and her current ranking has required a shift in expectations, as well as a greater emphasis on daily progress rather than immediate results.

“Honestly, it’s been brutal and very, very tough for me, especially this last year. I wasn’t expecting, in a way, getting injured again and now seeing myself where I am, it’s tough. After last year, like six months ago, I was top 10 and now I’m out of the top 100, so it’s a tough situation, especially emotionally.”

For now, Badosa’s focus remains on accumulating matches and rebuilding confidence. Her opening win in Miami represents a step in that process, as she continues to navigate a comeback defined by both physical management and a broader reassessment of her career priorities.