Paula Badosa calls ‘a total disaster’ her painful defeat at US Open

Paula Badosa had touched with the idea of ​​reaching her first career Slam semifinal but her dreams were shattered by the American Emma Navarro, who defeated the Spaniard with a score of 6-2 7-5, earning the challenge against Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open last four.

A disappointing elimination, but a path that leaves hope for the future of the Spaniard. in fact, despite having rediscovered good feelings and continuity of results after years conditioned by injuries, Badosa said in a press conference that she felt disappointed by her performance against her American rival and how mental issues had greatly influenced this negative result.

“I’m very disappointed with my level today. I think Emma played very well and handled the situation very well. I was a real disaster. It’s the first time it’s happened to me in my career, losing a set when I was leading 5-1, I don’t think it’s ever happened to me before. There’s always a first time for everything, and unfortunately today it happened to me. I don’t know, I still have to think about what happened. I started making mistakes and I lost, I don’t know, almost 20 points in a row. It’s very strange because I’m a very consistent player, so I didn’t expect it.

Coming from where I come from, I have to be happy. I’m fifteenth in the world, which I didn’t expect maybe a few months ago. So I’m very proud of myself. What makes me who I am today is the Grand Slam, the dream is always to get to the final rounds. With today’s performance, I know that, if it hadn’t been a Slam, I would have done well. That’s why I’m like this today, because I didn’t know how to handle the situation well. Now I have to wait four months for the next Slam, it sucks.” she told.

The Spaniard then complimented her opponent, explaining how there was something in her head that conditioned her during the match.

“In the morning I felt good, but as soon as I entered the court I felt strange. I think it wasn’t…