Paula Badosa admits dealing with a chronic back injury is as tough as it gets, but insists she is determined to keep going – because of her love for the game.
In May 2023, the Spanish tennis star injured his back during a quarterfinal run at the Rome Open.
After just one tournament in the remainder of 2023, Badosa’s health problems continued into early 2024. At this point, the former world number 2 was diagnosed with a chronic back injury. The Spaniard was 26 at the time – doctors advised her to retire – but she didn’t listen, but admitted that playing for three to four more years was the best possible scenario.
At this point, Badosa also began a new treatment for her back – and it worked. That led to the Spaniard finding her best tennis again: she won Washington, reached three more semifinals, reached the quarterfinals of the US Open and returned to the top 10.
The goal is consistency and health for 2026
Badosa also started 2025 strongly, reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. Then the 28-year-old’s back problems returned and she was only able to play ten tournaments in the rest of the season. She fell out of the top 10 and enters 2026 as number 25 in the world.
“The injury was one of the toughest moments of my career. What motivated me was my love for the sport and my desire to come back stronger. I worked a lot on patience and self-confidence. This year my approach is about listening to my body and staying consistent,” the former world No. 2 told A&E Magazine.
Badosa is currently healthy again and is planning appearances in Brisbane, Adelaide and at the Australian Open in January.
“My main goal is consistency – staying healthy, playing at the highest level and enjoying the process. Of course I also want to fight for big tournaments; that’s always a goal,” emphasized the 2025 Australian Open semi-finalist.
