In the whirlwind of professional tennis, where every serve and rally commands attention, a tender moment has emerged to remind fans of the human side of their favorite athletes. Mireia Gibert, the mother of Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa, recently took to social media to share a previously unseen childhood photo of her daughter, sparking an outpouring of affection from fans worldwide. The nostalgic glimpse into Badosa’s early years, coupled with a touching image of Gibert’s own youth, has struck a chord, offering a rare look at the personal journey of one of tennis’s most resilient players.
Paula Badosa, now 27, has long been a standout on the WTA tour, known for her powerful groundstrokes and unyielding determination. Born in New York to parents who worked as fashion models, she moved to Spain at age seven, where her passion for tennis blossomed. Her career highlights include reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2022, winning the 2015 Roland-Garros girls’ singles title, and earning $8.9 million in prize money as of early 2025. Yet, behind the accolades lies a story of perseverance, shaped by family support and personal sacrifice, as evidenced by the touching images Gibert shared.
The Instagram post featured two slides that tugged at heartstrings. The first showcased a young Mireia Gibert, radiating youthful charm, while the second captured her cradling a toddler-aged Paula, her eyes bright with curiosity. The caption, though simple, carried profound emotion, reflecting a mother’s pride and nostalgia. “Time passes, but love remains,” Gibert wrote, a sentiment that resonated deeply with fans who flooded the comments with adoration. “Paula was adorable then and a queen now!” one follower exclaimed, while another noted, “Mireia, you’ve raised such a strong woman!” The post not only highlighted the close bond between mother and daughter but also underscored the family’s role in Badosa’s rise to stardom.
This heartwarming moment comes amid a challenging 2025 season for Badosa, marked by a persistent back injury that has tested her resilience. After a stellar start, including a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open where she defeated Coco Gauff in straight sets, her campaign was derailed by physical setbacks. She retired mid-match in Merida, skipped Indian Wells, and withdrew from the Miami Open and Charleston Open due to chronic back pain, which stems from a 2023 stress fracture in her L4 and L5 vertebrae. “It’s really tiring, and sometimes I miss being home for a while,” Badosa admitted in a recent interview, reflecting on the grueling tennis schedule and its toll on her body and spirit. Despite these struggles, her fighting spirit remains unbroken, with her sights set on a comeback at the Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 event where she holds a first-round bye.
Off the court, Badosa’s personal life has also drawn attention, particularly her relationship with fellow tennis star Stef