Paula Badosa, a name synonymous with resilience in the world of tennis, remains steadfast in her ambition to return to the elite, despite significant obstacles on her path back to the top. Currently outside the top 100, the former world number 2 is determined to turn her situation around and fight for Grand Slam titles once again. Badosa’s struggles are not mere setbacks, but part of a broader narrative of perseverance, as she insists that her long-term goals remain intact.
“I still have that belief inside me that it can happen,” Badosa confidently stated. “I still believe I can get back to where I was, competing with the best in the world. That’s what makes me happy.” This conviction contrasts with her inconsistent results this season, where she holds a disappointing record of 7–8. Her only standout performance came at the WTA 125 in Austin, where she reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Bianca Andreescu. However, her early exit at the Miami Open, where she lost in the second round to Iva Jovic, left her shaken and projected her to drop to 113th place.
Badosa’s unstable career trajectory is evident. After reaching her peak as world number 2 in 2022, she fell to 140th place in 2024, only to return to the top 10 in 2025. However, a stress fracture in her back, along with recurring injuries—including a recent thigh issue—has hindered her consistency, leading to more withdrawals than she would like.
The player herself acknowledges that the biggest battles she faces are not against her opponents, but within herself. “I have a lot of respect for my rivals, but I think I am fighting more with myself,” she admitted. The mental weight of physical uncertainties affects her deeply as she grapples with the fear of not achieving her goals or suffering another injury. “There are many thoughts going through my head, even during competition, when they shouldn’t be.”
Badosa also identified a concerning trend: negative thoughts often overshadow her progress, despite the ongoing support from her team. “It’s complicated. Right now, the negative voice is winning more often than I would like,” she explained, highlighting the internal struggle that influences her performance.
Compounding the situation is the disparity between her level in training and in competitions. Although she performs at a high level in practice, she struggles to replicate that performance in matches. “When I’m mentally well, everything flows,” she explained, “but when I get into that negative dynamic, my tennis drops to half the level.” This disconnection results in more errors and slower movements during matches, increasing her frustration.
Despite the challenges, Badosa remains focused on her main objective: to compete at the highest level and fight for Grand Slam titles. The upcoming clay season presents a new opportunity to regain confidence and physical stability, starting with the qualifying rounds of the Charleston Open and the Rouen Open, where she received a wild card.
“I’m not at my best emotional moment right now, because being where I am doesn’t make me happy,” she confessed. “I love tennis, but what I enjoy most is competing in the biggest tournaments, against the best players.” As she prepares for the upcoming challenges, one thing is certain: Paula Badosa is not ready to give up on her dreams. The fight to return to the elite continues, and her belief could be the driving force behind a remarkable comeback.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
