Will Paula Badosa retire at the age of 28? Injury struggles and ranking outside the top 100 raise concern after emotional message (Image via Getty)
Paula Badosa is going through a very difficult time, and this time it’s not just about tennis. The former world No. 2 has shared an emotional message after she dropped out of the top 100.
The 28-year-old Spanish star suffers from a long-term back injury, and is now also suffering from psychological pressure. Following her early exit from the Miami Open, things have turned sour in the world rankings, and her words have now raised serious concerns about her future in the sport.She actually paused the 2025 season in September to recover, but since her return, wins haven’t come easily. Earlier this month, she played a lower-level challenger in Austin to rebuild confidence, winning three matches before losing in the semifinals.
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 reached the fourth round last year, this early loss cost her many ranking points.
Paola Badosa talks about the mental struggle, pain of injury, life changes after a downgrade and Stefanos Tsitsipas split
After the loss, Paula Badosa took to Instagram and shared what she really feels inside. Her words were raw and honest.“Fear, this damned fear. It’s so terrible. Sometimes I feel like I can’t control the voices inside me,” she wrote.
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 seem better than others. “There are days when I feel strong enough, and other days when the mountain seems too high…and I wonder if I’ll be able to do it.”However, she made it clear that she would not give up. “If there’s anything that sets me apart, it’s that I always bounce back. I turn pain into strength, right? Why should this time be different?”This comes after months of struggle with her back injury. She has already missed major tournaments in the past due to the same problem.
Even when she plays, she is not in 100% physical fitness, which makes things more difficult.Last month, she also responded strongly to a fan who questioned her commitment. “You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and you still choose to carry on… I’m the first to suffer in pain and suffer endless nightmares trying to find solutions every day,” she said.Off the field, her life changed, too. Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas ended their relationship almost last year, which added more attention and pressure around her.Despite everything, she tries to remain optimistic. She told her fans: “Paula is not back yet… but she will be back.”
