In a touching moment that resonated with tennis fans worldwide, Mireia Gibert, the mother of Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa, recently shared a rare childhood photo of her daughter on social media. The image, capturing a young Paula with an infectious smile and a spark of determination in her eyes, has melted hearts and offered a nostalgic glimpse into the early years of the former World No. 2. As Badosa navigates a challenging 2025 season marked by a persistent back injury, this tender throwback serves as a reminder of her enduring spirit and the family support that has fueled her rise to tennis stardom.
The black-and-white photo shows a pint-sized Paula, no older than five or six, clutching a tiny tennis racket that seems almost as big as she is. Her expression, a mix of joy and focus, hints at the fierce competitor she would become. Gibert’s caption, “My little champion, always dreaming big,” encapsulates the pride and love she feels for her daughter, who was born in New York to fashion model parents before moving to Spain at age seven. The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments, with fans gushing over the adorable snapshot and reflecting on how far Badosa has come since those carefree days.
Badosa’s journey from that wide-eyed child to a Grand Slam semifinalist has been anything but easy. After reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2022, she faced a devastating setback in 2023 when a back injury, including fractures in her L4 and L5 vertebrae, sidelined her for months. “It’s very sad and tough to deal with the pain,” Badosa shared earlier this year, describing the emotional toll of her recurring injuries. Despite a triumphant return in 2024, highlighted by a title at the Mubadala Citi D.C. Open and a semifinal run at the 2025 Australian Open, her back issues flared up again, forcing withdrawals from Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, and most recently, the Madrid Open. Yet, through it all, her family—especially her mother—has been her rock.
Mireia Gibert, a former model, has been a constant presence in Paula’s life, both on and off the court. Whether cheering from the stands or joining practice sessions alongside Paula’s sister, Jana, Gibert’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of her daughter’s resilience. The childhood photo, shared just days after Paula’s withdrawal from Madrid, struck a chord with fans who admire Badosa’s grit. One fan commented, “From this little girl to a warrior on the court—Paula, you’re an inspiration!” Another wrote, “Mireia, thank you for raising such a fighter.”
The timing of the post adds an emotional layer, as Badosa faces uncertainty heading into the clay-court season. Before Madrid, she acknowledged her fragile condition, saying, “I’m not 100 percent, but I’m fighting to be there.” Her withdrawal, though disappointing, underscores her commitment to prioritizing long-term recovery over short-term gains. With the French Open on the horizon, fans are hopeful that Badosa can regain her form on the surface where she once thrived, notably reaching the 2021 Roland Garros quarterfinals.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Badosa’s personal life has also captured attention. Her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas, which began in 2023, has made them tennis’s beloved power couple. Their recent appearance at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, dressed in striking white outfits, turned heads and sparked reactions from peers like Emma Raducanu and Badosa’s sister, Jana. “She’s full of confidence,” Badosa said of her mindset before facing Coco Gauff at the Australian Open, a match she won 7-5, 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. That confidence, nurtured by her family’s love, shines through in Gibert’s cherished photo.
As Badosa heals and prepares for her next chapter, the throwback image serves as a poignant reminder of her roots. From a racket-wielding toddler to a global tennis star, her journey embodies perseverance and passion. Gibert’s heartfelt post not only celebrates Paula’s past but also inspires hope for her future, proving that even in tough times, the love of family can light the way forward.