Is Paula Badosa retiring at 28? Injury struggles and ranking fall outside top 100 raise concern after emotional message (Image via Getty)
Paula Badosa is going through a very hard time, and this time it is not just about tennis. The former world No. 2 player shared an emotional message after her ranking dropped outside the top 100. The 28-year-old Spanish star has been struggling with a long-term back injury, and now she is also dealing with mental pressure. After her early exit at the Miami Open, things got worse in the rankings, and her words have now raised serious concerns about her future in the sport.She had already paused her 2025 season in September to recover, but since coming back, wins have not come easily. Earlier this month, she played a lower-level Challenger event in Austin to rebuild confidence, winning three matches before losing in the semi-final.
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Then in Miami, she won her first match but lost badly in the next round to young American player Iva Jovic, 6-2, 6-1. Because she had reached the fourth round last year, this early loss cost her many ranking points.
Paula Badosa opens up on mental struggle, injury pain, and life changes after ranking drop and Stefanos Tsitsipas split
After the loss, Paula Badosa took to Instagram and shared how she really feels inside. Her words were raw and honest.She wrote, “Fear, that damn fear. It’s so awful. Sometimes I feel like I can’t control the voices inside me. The emotions are overwhelming, and I feel like I’m drowning. Doubts take hold, and I feel lost in a sea of emotions.”She also admitted that some days feel better than others. “There are days when I feel strong enough, and others when the mountain seems too high… and I wonder if I’ll be able to do it.”Still, she made it clear she is not giving up. “If anything defines me, it’s that I always bounce back. Turn pain into power, right? Why should this time be any different?”This comes after months of struggle with her back injury. She has already missed big tournaments in the past due to the same issue. Even when she plays, she is not fully fit, which has made things harder.Last month, she also responded strongly to a fan who questioned her commitment. She said, “You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going… I’m the first one suffering with pain and having endless nightmares to try to find solutions every single day.”Off the court, her life has also changed. Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas ended their relationship around last year, which added more attention and pressure around her.Despite everything, she is trying to stay hopeful. “Paula isn’t back yet… but she will be,” she told her fans. Go to Source
