Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Paula Badosa arrives in Abu Dhabi this week for her first appearance at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and is already relishing the experience of playing in a place she knows well.
“It’s one tournament I always come and play because I really enjoy it,” she said ahead of her debut. “I think the conditions are great … and I also have to say I’m from here, so it’s a little bit like playing at home.”
The Spaniard has lived and trained in Dubai in recent seasons, and she believes the environment here has had a positive influence on her game. “It’s been one of the best decisions of my career… the conditions in the UAE, the amazing facilities … it’s such a great place to be,” she said.
Off court, Badosa has been an active advocate of mental health in sport – a topic she says she works on continuously. “It’s something that I’m very aware of… I know how difficult it is to handle all the pressure and expectations,” she said, stressing the importance of opening up and normalising these discussions for future generations.
Badosa was part of a panel discussion on the same topic with Ons Jabeur, the first leading Arab women’s tennis player, who is also starting up an academy in Dubai. Badosa spends much of her recreation time in Dubai and has trained along with members of Novak Djokovic’s circle.
Asked about mixed gender exhibitions such as the recent Battle of the Sexes in Dubai between women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, Badosa welcomed the events as positive for the sport. “I think it’s a great way to promote the sport,” she said, acknowledging that men and women are simply different but that joint events can enhance the game’s reach.
“It’s not the first mixed event that we have. And I think having WTA players and ATP players doing this together to make the sport stronger together... it’s great,” added Badosa, ranked 26th.
As one of the former top-ranked players in the field, Badosa will be one to watch in the early rounds at this WTA 500 stop – bringing local ties and a thoughtful perspective to this growing tournament.
