Paula Badosa’s season of surprises: A comeback, a rare rainfall, and a big test ahead

Dubai: For Paula Badosa, surprises have come in all forms — on and off the court.

Her resurgence this season has been nothing short of remarkable, soaring up the rankings after a dramatic slump. But on Tuesday, the Dubai resident encountered something just as unexpected — her first rain in the city.

Her success this season has been a revelation, marked by a stunning climb in the rankings. But as she wrapped up a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Belgian Elise Mertens, it wasn’t just her form on court that had her talking — it was the rare sight of raindrops in the desert.

“I was surprised because I live in Dubai, but I had never seen rain. It has rained only once or twice in the last four years. So for me, it was surprising and sometimes a little tricky because you’re stopping, getting a little bit cold,” Badosa said.

The 27-year-old Spaniard has endured a roller-coaster career, dropping to No. 140 in May 2024 before clawing her way back to finish the season at No. 12. Her phenomenal comeback continued this year, peaking with a semi-final run at the Australian Open — until she fell to close friend Aryna Sabalenka.

“It’s extremes for me. Four years ago, I went super fast from No. 70 to No. 2. Last year was the same — within four months, I was already world No. 11. So I always do it this way,” she said with a wry smile. “Last year, I was used to being the underdog until the end of the season. Now, all of a sudden, I’m the favourite. Sometimes it’s tough to handle the pressure, but I’m learning.”

Badosa has also learnt to fine-tune her approach, believing her game is now best suited to hard courts — something that could boost her chances of lifting the title in Dubai.

“I love the country. I love the city. I feel very comfortable in Dubai, and the facilities are amazing. It’s easy to travel to many parts of the world, from Australia to Asia. There are a lot of players here, so it’s very easy to train with them, especially in the pre-season,” she said.

The draw doesn’t get any easier, with a tough test looming against Elena Rybakina. But Badosa, who thrives on turning setbacks into comebacks, is ready for the fight.

“I still have a lot of rounds to win before meeting Aryna. I have a really tough one next against Elena Rybakina,” she said. “Next time, I’ll be the one giving her a gift, not the other way around.”

From witnessing rain in Dubai to rediscovering the form that once made her a top contender, Badosa is learning to expect the unexpected. And so far, that’s working in her favour.