Washington Open: Former World No 1 Paula Badosa Ends Two Year Trophy Drought

Badosa, the former world number two, is back in the WTA's top 50 following Sunday's 6-1 4-6 6-4 defeat of Marie Bouzkova.

It marks the Spaniard's fourth Tour-level title but her first since she triumphed in Sydney at the start of the 2022 season.

Last year was a difficult one for Badosa, who sustained a stress fracture in her back and subsequently dropped out of the top 100.

But now she is back to feeling like her old self.

"What I went through the last year, for me being back, winning big titles like a [WTA] 500, [beating] the best players in the world, being competing against them again, for me it means a lot," said Badosa, who downed Emma Raducanu en route to clinching the trophy.

"That's why I had this mix of emotions. I was really, really nervous because I really wanted it really badly.

"One year ago I was on the couch, so it's a big difference now. Now I'm an athlete again.

"Even before the tournament I was feeling good, I was feeling confident.

"I think I needed to win something, a big title for me. Because of my personality, I'm not happy always with finals and semi-finals. I want to win titles.

"I'm [a] perfectionist. Of course, that sometimes brings me down, but also in important moments I think it gives me [something] extra. I felt I needed this moment very much."