Paula Badosa channels Rafael Nadal’s fighting spirit to oust Naomi Osaka in French Open 2025

Tennis star Paula Badosa opened up on how she drew inspiration from legendary player Rafael Nadal to stage her comeback win against four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the first round of the French Open 2025. The Spanish star didn't get the best start to the tournament as she lost the opening set, allowing the Japanese player to take the lead.

However, the 27-year-old WTA star staged her comeback, smacked breathtaking shots, and gained an advantage over Osaka's unforced errors by winning the second and third sets of the game to thwart the former world number one out of the Roland Garros 2025.

Also Read: In Pics: Naomi Osaka sets French Open 2025 ablaze with her self-designed ‘Nike Sakura’ kit

Paula Badosa stormed into the French Open second-round

After her stellar win over the Japanese star with a scoreline of 6-7 (1), 6-1, 6-4, tennis star Paula Badosa stated that she looked at the courtside featuring Nadal's footprint after she lost the first set. She revealed that when she was 7-6 down in the first set, she took a look at Nadal-like footprints to get the strength from the 14-time French Open winner. The world number 10 went on to recall the fighting spirit that Nadal embodies in his illustrious career.

"I have to say when I was 7-6 down, the first thing I did was to look over there (at the courtside plaque) to get strength and inspiration from Rafa. And I was like, 'Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was doing'. So yeah, thanks Rafa and we really miss you," Badosa said during her post-match, on-court interview.

Rafael Nadal's French Open 2025 tribute:

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has received a tribute at the ongoing French Open 2025 for his legacy at Roland Garros. The star player has won 14 French Open titles in the last 20 years. Thereafter, the French Open organizers have decided to give a heartwarming tribute to the Spanish legend for his unparalleled success in French Open history. Notably, everything was secret since the tournament took place.