Paula Badosa admits dealing with a chronic back injury is as tough as it gets, but underlines that she is determined to continue because of her love for the game.
In May 2023, the Spanish tennis star injured her back during a Rome Open quarterfinal run.
After playing one tournament in the rest of 2023, Badosa's health troubles continued at the start of 2024. That's when the former world No. 2 was diagnosed with a chronic back issue. At the time, the Spaniard was 26 - she was advised by the doctors to retire - she didn't listen but admitted at the time that playing for three to four more years was the best-case scenario.
At the time, Badosa also started a new treatment for her back - and it worked. That led to the Spaniard rediscovering her best tennis as she won Washington, reached three more semifinals, made the US Open quarterfinal, and returned to the top-10.
Badosa also made a lightning start to 2025, making her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. But then, the 28-year-old's back issue resurfaced and she was limited to just 10 tournaments in the rest of the year. She also exited the top-10 and enters 2026 as the world No. 25.
Badosa: The injury was one of the toughest moments of her career
"The injury was one of the toughest moments of my career. What kept me motivated was my love for the sport and my desire to come back stronger. I worked a lot on patience and self-awareness. This year, my approach is about listening to my body and staying consistent," the former world No. 2 told A&E Magazine.
Right now, Badosa has returned to being healthy and plans to play Brisbane, Adelaide and the Australian Open in January.
"My main goal is consistency staying healthy, competing at the highest level, and enjoying the process. Of course, I want to fight for big tournaments too; thats always a goal," the 2025 Australian Open semifinalist noted.
For Badosa to have a successful 2026, staying healthy is a must.
