Badosa was honoured for making a heroic comeback from injury after she was almost forced to quit tennis. The former world No. 2 was forced to end her 2023 season after Wimbledon with a stress fracture in her back.

She initially struggled when she returned this year, and during Indian Wells, doctors told her it would be challenging to continue her career. Badosa resorted to using cortisone injections to control the pain.

By May, the 27-year-old had dropped outside of the world’s top 100. But she suddenly rediscovered her best form over the summer, winning the Washington Open, reaching the semi-final in Cincinnati and the quarter-final of the US Open.

Badosa returned to No. 11 in the world and ultimately finished the year in 12th place. She was then given the Comeback of the Year in the WTA Awards, voted for by the international tennis media.

The Spaniard has previously credited her boyfriend, ATP star Tsitsipas, for motivating and supporting her during her injury woes. And the Greek ace has now paid tribute to Badosa with a touching social media message.

“My dear Paula, you’ve worked so hard and shown such resilience to reestablish yourself as a top player this year, and I couldn’t be prouder of you for winning the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“As someone once famously said, ’Spanish never die’.”

Fans quickly picked up on Tsitsipas’ reference. Last year, after beating Alcaraz in a thrilling final at the Cincinnati Open, Novak Djokovic told his young rival that he reminded him of another Spaniard.

“You never give up, man,” the Serb said. “I mean I love that about you but sometimes I wish that you play a few points just like this.”

Alcaraz had the perfect response, telling Djokovic that the “Spanish never die”. It was something the 24-time Major winner knew all too well.

“Spanish never die? Okay, good. I’ve heard that before. Or I’ve experienced this before!” he laughed.

Badosa has proven that she also fits into the category. Come 2025, the four-time title winner will be keen to keep building her ranking after a successful comeback season.