In a devastating turn of events for tennis fans and Paula Badosa herself, the world No. 12 has announced her withdrawal from the US Open due to a troubling back injury. This setback marks yet another chapter in a saga that has plagued the Spaniard, who recently missed both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open due to the same ailment. Initially, there was hope for her return at Flushing Meadows, where she even signed up for mixed doubles alongside Jack Draper. But fate has dealt her a cruel hand, as she will not participate in either the doubles or singles draws.
This latest injury could have dire consequences for Badosa’s career, especially as she braces for a significant drop in the rankings. Without the opportunity to defend her points from her semifinal appearance in Cincinnati, she is expected to tumble to at least No. 16. Her past performances at the US Open further complicate her situation; having reached the quarterfinals in previous years, she risks losing even more critical points, potentially placing her outside the top 20 after this Grand Slam concludes.
Badosa’s last outing was at Wimbledon, where she fell in the first round to Katie Boulter. This loss prompted her to reveal a relapse of her persistent psoas injury, a condition that has hindered her career trajectory and affected her lower back and hip. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering when Badosa might return to her previous form, as there are currently no clear indications of when she will be back on the court.
In a heartfelt social media post that resonated deeply with her supporters, Badosa shared her reflections on the ongoing struggles with injury that have shaped her career. She poignantly remarked, “I was not built for easy days. I was molded by the moments that broke me, the decisions that didn’t go as I planned, and the times I fell short of who I wanted to be.” Her words highlight a journey marked by resilience and introspection, emphasizing that setbacks are not signs of weakness but rather essential chapters in her life story.
The former Indian Wells champion articulated the lessons learned through adversity, stating, “Failure taught me what success never could. It humbled me. It forced me to look inward.” This powerful message underscores her growth as an athlete and as a person, showing that she now views her past mistakes as vital teachers rather than burdens.
Badosa’s path has not been smooth. After an extended hiatus from competitive play spanning over six months, she made a commendable comeback, achieving semifinal finishes in Cincinnati and the US Open in 2024. Yet, the dawn of 2025 has been anything but kind, as she struggles to regain her physical condition.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed, “There were times when I thought I had lost everything. My direction, my confidence, my sense of worth.” Yet, she has emerged from these dark moments with a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing that each loss has paved the way for personal growth. “I’m not proud of every moment of my past, but I am proud of the person those moments created,” she added, highlighting her evolution into a stronger, more resilient individual.
At just 27, Badosa has already amassed four career titles, the latest being at the WTA 500 DC Open against Marie Bouzkova—an event from which she, unfortunately, could not defend her points. After a brief return to the top 10, the specter of injury looms large once more, threatening to derail her hard-earned progress and casting a shadow on her promising career. As fans rally behind her, the hope remains that Badosa will overcome this latest hurdle and reclaim her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
