With her WTA career consistently derailed by an on-again, off-again back injury, Paula Badosa can never be sure of her chances at any event.
But the 10th-ranked Spaniard who once cracked the ranking top 10 is clinging to the belief that she can make an impression when the French Open starts on Sunday.
“I have to be realistic. Of course, if I’m delusional and I want to dream, I’m approaching this tournament the same as the Australian Open (semi-final last January),” the 27-year-old said.
“But that’s not the reality. I’ve (only) played one full match in the last two months and a half. The reality here is to play as many matches as possible.
“Every minute on court now is very valuable. So it’s just that and no expectations.”
The Spaniard will start her Roland Garros quest with actual expectations in check.
“If I can play one match, good. If I can play three, great. For now the goal in French Open is not what it should be, but because I’m coming from an injury.”
Badosa faces a tough ask against another former elite player, facing four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the first round.
Badosa’s best Paris showing was a 2021 quarter-final while Osaka has never passed the third round.
The Spaniard arrives in Paris after a quarter-final this week in Strasbourg.
“The conditions here, I always like them. I love to play in Paris. Yeah, I’m playing Monday, so I have one more
day tomorrow.
‘As you all know, she’s (Osaka) a great, great player, I respect her so much. Not for things she did on court, but especially also off court.
“I know she likes to play the big matches. It’s where she plays her best game, so I’m expecting her best level on Monday.”
