"She's like Federer" says Paula Badosa on Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty solidified herself as the best player in the world by winning the Australian Open a few weeks ago.

The Australian player dominated in 2021 winning the majority of events that she played in. She won Wimbledon and now she added the Australian Open leaving the US Open as the only grand slam trophy she never won. Speaking about Barty, Paula Badosa had much to say. She was asked who is the hardest player to play against at the moment and she said:

“I think all the tennis players are going to give you the same name, right? I think Ashleigh Barty. When I saw her win in Australia it was incredible. I told my coach that I wanted to play her again to see how it feels. She makes everything easy. The tough matches, she makes it easy. It’s amazing how she plays tennis. She’s like Federer on the men’s tour. She does everything with a lot of flow and very easy. I think she’s the one to beat.”

Badosa will make her return to tennis at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and on that she said:

"Last year I finished the season at a great level. You always have pressure because of the many expectations that they have around you. People are, like, seeing what you are going to do this year. Of course, I have that pressure. And It’s going to be like this all year long, but I have to stay calm and play at my best. I played at a very good level in Australia. I played a lot of matches. I’m confident. Playing well. Of course, I’ll always be one of the favorites, but I enjoy this kind of pressure.”