Wimbledon star bursts into tears on court after defying doctors’ orders

Paula Badosa burst into tears on court after sealing her place in the Wimbledon fourth round, the first time she has reached that stage of any Grand Slam in two years.

The Spanish star has been through an injury-ravaged spell and was even told by doctors that she should retire, forcing her to rely upon medical injections to continue playing.

And there was a huge moment of relief that her effort had paid off with a 7-6(6) 4-6 6-4 victory over Daria Kasatkina, having been down 2-4 in the decider.

When Kasatkina hit her final shot at Wimbledon into the net, Badosa held her arms aloft before placing them on her head as she began to sob. She hugged her opponent and shook hands with the umpire before blowing kisses to the jubilant supporters cheering her on.

“Against Dasha is always a battle,” Badosa said in her on-court interview. “She’s such a great player. She’s been at the top so many years. It’s very special for me. It’s not my first time in 2nd week of a slam. For me it’s the most special one. Because a few months ago, I didn’t know if I’d be able to play tennis.”