"I'm guided by Maria Sharapova" - Paula Badosa credits Russian as her 'mentor' for inspiring her to look beyond the confines of tennis

Paula Badosa cited Maria Sharapova as her guide while discussing female athletes' transition from their respective sports to other ventures. She lauded how Sharapova has managed to do exactly that since her retirement.

Badosa, who is slowly and steadily trying to rise back to the upper echelons of tennis, is coming off of a successful Wimbledon campaign where she defeated the likes of Karolina Muchova, Brenda Fruhvirtova, and 14th seed Daria Kasatkina to reach the fourth round of the grass-court Major after two years.

The Spaniard recently sat down with Elle Spain for a conversation where she was asked if female athletes being involved in different campaigns, media sessions, round tables, and so on could be a turning point for them. To which, she confidently said yes.

The 26-year-old mentioned how it is inspiring to see an athlete who is "something more" outside of their sport.

“Of course. And it's a way of opening the door to new canons of beauty. There is no single body stereotype. For me, being an example in that respect is crucial. It's inspiring when I see an athlete who is something more.

Paula Badosa then said how she was guided by Maria Sharapova, who is famous in the world of fashion, mentioning her transition from the tennis court to business which is something the Spaniard wants to emulate after her retirement.

Badosa considered the Russian her mentor and mentioned how she was an ambassador for many brands. She also loved how Sharapova shared her life experiences with people.

I'm guided by Maria Sharapova. She has made a very good transition from the track to business, and that's something I would love to achieve when I retire. She's a mentor, an ambassador for many brands, she shares life experiences…”

"It comes from my parents" - Paula Badosa cites her parents as her inspiration in the world of fashion

Paula Badosa (Image source: GETTY)

After talking about Maria Sharapova, Paula Badosa also credited her parents' influence as a key reason for her love for fashion. She said that both of her parents were models and mentioned that she enjoyed dressing up because it gave her a sense of calm and helped her express herself.

Badosa also mentioned that she was planning to launch a line of earrings on her website.

"I like it a lot. It comes from my family, from my parents. They have always been in that world, they were models. Then, when they finished their studies, they became photographers. I enjoy dressing up. It helps me disconnect a little from the intensity. It is a way of expressing myself and showing my personality. I have loved jewelry since I was a child and I will soon launch a line of earrings on my website."

Paula Badosa's interview also featured a photoshoot where the Spaniard dazzled in different dresses.