Now back in the Top 10, Badosa revealed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships that that initial goal was part of a 12-month plan, one she ultimately achieved five months ahead of schedule by reaching her first major semifinal at the Australian Open.
Indeed, dreams come true abound for Badosa:
Q. I think last year you talked about writing in the notebook about how you wanted to be back in the top 70. You smashed that goal. Did you go back to the notebook during the pre-season and what goals might you have written?
PAULA BADOSA: You know, I have to say in that notebook – this is a small secret – after Paris and clay court season, I’m going to show it just to prove it, in that notebook I said where I wanted to be a year after, what ranking, where do I see myself a year after, after all the struggles, how do I see myself in Rome 2025.
I said I’m going to be back in the top 10. I’m happy that I came sooner. What I want to say with that is when you have self-belief and you trust the process, you really want it, I think dreams can come true, yeah.
In a full-circle moment, the Dubai resident returned to her home tournament and defeated Lulu Sun, the player against whom she retired a year ago, and backed up that maiden victory with an emphatic win over Elise Mertens, booking a blockbuster third round against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Will Badosa wait to share her notebook until Rome? Or will we see the proof on social media sooner?
UPDATE: Badosa sent a copy of the notebook, complete with her Top 10 goal and May 20 timestamp:
