NEW YORK — After nearly two months of agonizing uncertainty and a grueling rehabilitation process, Spain's Paula Badosa is finally set to make her long-awaited return to the WTA Tour. The former world No. 2 has not played a competitive match since her first-round retirement at Wimbledon in early July, a victim of a persistent and "complicated" stress fracture in her spine that has plagued her season and tested her mental fortitude to its absolute limit.
In an exclusive interview ahead of her first-round match at the US Open, Badosa lifted the lid on the physical and emotional turmoil of her latest injury setback. "It has been a very complicated process, one of the toughest injuries I've had to deal with," Badosa confessed, her voice a mixture of relief and lingering frustration. "A stress fracture in the back is not easy. You have to be very patient, and patience is not one of my best virtues."
The injury, which first flared up in Stuttgart back in April, forced her to miss the entire clay-court season, including her beloved Roland-Garros. A brief return on grass culminated in that heartbreaking scene at the All England Club, where she was forced to retire against Karolína Muchová while trailing 7-5, 1-0, her body simply refusing to cooperate any longer.
A Grueling and Isolating Recovery
The weeks following Wimbledon were defined by immense patience and meticulous care. Badosa described a recovery protocol that was as mentally challenging as it was physically restrictive. "I had to stop completely for several weeks. No running, no tennis, nothing that could impact the spine," she revealed. Her days consisted of:
- Core stabilization and isometric strengthening exercises
- Extensive physical therapy and frequent medical check-ups
- A slow, carefully monitored reintroduction to court activities
The isolation from the tour and the constant worry about her long-term health took a significant toll. "It's very tough to see all the tournaments pass by, to see your ranking drop, and to not be able to do what you love," Badosa said. "You feel like you're alone in this fight sometimes."
The Mental Battle Beyond the Physical Pain
For an athlete of Badosa's competitive caliber, the psychological struggle often rivals the physical pain. This injury hell is, unfortunately, familiar territory for the 25-year-old, who has battled a series of fitness issues since her breakthrough 2021 season. She spoke candidly about the fear and doubt that creeps in during extended periods on the sidelines.
"The most difficult part is not knowing if you will recover 100%, or if the pain will come back the moment you start pushing your body again," she admitted. "You have dark moments where you question everything. But I have a great team around me, and they have helped me stay positive and focused on the small victories each day."
A Cautious Return on the Biggest Stage
Her return at the US Open is a testament to her resilience, but Badosa is adamant about managing expectations. Drawn against American Venus Williams in a blockbuster first-round clash, she enters Flushing Meadows with a protected ranking of No. 46, a far cry from her previous status as a top seed. Her goals for the final major of the year are measured and health-focused.
"The most important thing is that I am back, that I can compete without pain. That is already a victory for me," Badosa stated. "I don't want to put pressure on myself for results right now. I need to see how my body responds match by match. It's a process, and I have to be smart about it."
Looking Ahead: A New Perspective
This latest ordeal has forced Badosa to adopt a new perspective on her career and her relationship with the sport. The relentless pursuit of points and rankings has been replaced by a more profound appreciation for simply being able to play.
"These months have taught me to not take anything for granted. One day you are fighting for titles and the next you cannot even bend over to tie your shoes," she reflected. "Now, when I step on the court, I will try to enjoy every moment, every point. That is my new goal."
While the road back to the top of the game is long and uncertain, Badosa's fighting spirit appears undimmed. Her journey through injury hell has been brutal, but it has forged a resilience that she now carries onto the court in New York. For Paula Badosa, the comeback begins now, not with a demand for glory, but with a simple, hard-won gratitude for the chance to compete once more.