Paula Badosa the symbol of bravery and resilience

Paula Badosa was overcome with emotions when she hit a forehand winner to seal a 7-5, 6-4 win over Coco Gauff in the Australian Open quarterfinal on Tuesday. 

Exactly a year ago, the Spaniard was ranked No. 100 in the world and was attempting to return to the Tour after enduring a series of back injuries. Once touted as "the next Maria Sharapova," Badosa was advised to call it quits by her doctors, leading to her severe battles with anxiety and depression. However, she refused to give up on her dreams, going as far as to take cortisone injections before and after matches. It felt like she was on borrowed time. 

While her 2024 comeback tour didn't get off promisingly, Badosa built momentum as the year progressed, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and quarterfinals at the U.S. Open and nearly qualifying for the WTA Finals. She was awarded WTA's Comeback Player of the Year for her meteoric rise from World No. 100 to No. 11 within 12 months. 

On Tuesday, Badosa was rewarded for her years of resiliency as she reached a major semifinal for the first time in her career. The win also marked her first victory over a top 10 player at a slam. After her career night, Badosa sounded grateful for just having the opportunity to play the sport she loves.

"A year ago I was here with my back and I didn't know if I had to retire from this sport," she said. "Now I'm here playing against the best in the world. I will never think that a year after I would be here. This is a dream come true."