Paula Badosa isn't in her best form, but arriving in Madrid always brings a smile to her face, almost without realising it.
She's one of the most beloved players in Spain's capital, which is why she was chosen to speak to the media on the tournament's opening day, just one day ahead of her clash against Austria's Julia Grabher on Tuesday.
Flashscore had the chance to ask the Catalan what makes this Masters so special for her, and with a great attitude, she answered without hesitation, pointing to the fans as the main reason for her special connection with the tournament.
"Well, I think it can really help if I connect with the positive energy and the good vibes from the crowd, feeling that in the end, it's not just me out there - it's all of us," she said, referring to the boost she always gets from the fans at the Caja Mágica and how it impacts her performances.
"I'm someone who can really connect with that, and I believe that if I find a way to connect with the crowd, especially in that sense, because that's my moment on court, it could be really positive for me," added a radiant Badosa.
