Paula Badosa shared an inspirational message after blowing six match points in a heartbreaking defeat to Elena Rybakina as the Spaniard noted that “pain isn’t the end, but a part of the journey.”
After dominating Lulu Sun and Elise Mertens in her opening two matches at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, the No. 9 seed also appeared to be cruising toward a straight-set win over the Kazakh.
But then, she failed to convert any of her three consecutive match points in the second-set tie-break and also missed another one at 8-7 before losing the second set.
In the third set, Badosa came back from a 3-5 deficit and went 6-5 up and had two consecutive match points in the 12th game.
However, Rybakina also saved those two match points before completing a 4-6 7-6 (8) 7-6 (2) win to reach the Dubai quarterfinal.
Badosa: Every challenge shapes you…
“Life isn’t easy, but every challenge shapes you, every trial makes you stronger,” the world No. 10 wrote on X.
“Pain isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey. Failure isn’t defeat; it’s a lesson.
“Keep pushing. No matter how hard it gets.
“Thankful for everyone that sticks by my side in every step.”
Life isn’t easy, but every challenge shapes you, every trial makes you stronger.
Pain isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey….
