BARCELONA — Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa, who has battled chronic back injuries for over a year, has made an emotional return to the court, sparking both celebration and speculation about her future in the sport. The former world No. 2, once considered a rising force in women’s tennis, has faced repeated setbacks due to a stress fracture in her spine, leading to fears of an early retirement.
In a candid interview after her first-round victory at the Barcelona Open, Badosa opened up about her struggles, resilience, and love for the game. "There were moments I thought I’d never play again," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But tennis is my life. I couldn’t walk away without fighting one last time."
A Career Derailed by Injury
Badosa’s career skyrocketed in 2021 when she won the Indian Wells title and climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2022. However, her momentum was abruptly halted by a persistent back injury diagnosed as a stress fracture in the L4 vertebra. The condition forced her to withdraw from multiple tournaments, including last year’s French Open and Wimbledon.
Doctors warned that without extended rest, the injury could become career-ending. Badosa attempted multiple comebacks, only to suffer relapses. "Every time I pushed myself, the pain returned worse than before," she revealed. "It wasn’t just physical—it broke me mentally."
The Emotional Toll
The 26-year-old described the psychological struggle of watching rivals surpass her while she was sidelined. "I’d see players I used to beat winning Grand Slams, and it hurt more than my back," she confessed. Her ranking plummeted outside the top 100, and whispers of retirement grew louder.
Badosa’s low point came in January 2024 when she withdrew from the Australian Open after just one practice session. "That’s when I hit rock bottom," she said. "I cried for days. I didn’t know if I had it in me to try again."
A Surprising Comeback
Against all odds, Badosa returned to competition in April at the Charleston Open, where she lost in the second round but showed flashes of her former brilliance. Her performance in Barcelona, however, marked a turning point. She defeated a top-50 opponent in straight sets, moving with surprising agility.
Key factors in her recovery included:
- A new rehabilitation regimen focusing on core stability
- Reduced tournament schedule to manage workload
- Psychological support to rebuild confidence
Support from the Tennis World
Fellow players rallied behind her. World No. 1 Iga Świątek tweeted: "So happy to see Paula back where she belongs. Her fighting spirit inspires us all." Even rival Aryna Sabalenka, who has faced Badosa in intense matches, sent a heartfelt message: "Tennis needs warriors like Paula."
An Uncertain Future
Despite the optimism, Badosa remains cautious. "I’m taking it day by day," she said. "If the pain returns, I’ll have to make tough decisions. But right now, I’m just grateful to be playing." Medical experts caution that stress fractures rarely heal completely in athletes, meaning her career could still be cut short.
Her coach, Jorge García, admitted: "We’re managing expectations. Paula may never return to her peak, but she’s proving she can still compete at the highest level." Fans hope her story will mirror that of Juan Martín del Potro, who overcame multiple wrist surgeries to win again.
A Message of Hope
Badosa ended the interview with a tearful but determined statement: "No matter what happens, I want people to remember me as someone who never gave up. If this is my last chapter, I’ll make it count." The crowd in Barcelona gave her a standing ovation—a testament to her resilience and the love she’s earned from the tennis world.
As she prepares for her next match, one thing is clear: Paula Badosa’s journey, whether it ends soon or continues for years, has already left an indelible mark on the sport.