Paula Badosa published a heartfelt letter on social media after announcing her withdrawal from the US Open. The world No. 12 continues to receive bad news after a relapse of a back injury that recently forced her to miss the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open.
Her return was expected at the US Open—where she even appeared on the entry list for mixed doubles with Jack Draper, which was scheduled to start in less than two weeks—but she will ultimately not be in the doubles draw or the singles.
The Spaniard is expected to continue falling in the rankings. This week she won't defend her Cincinnati semifinal points, which will cause her to drop to at least No. 16. Later, at Flushing Meadows, she had reached the tournament's quarterfinals, losing another good amount of points. Badosa will fall outside the top 20 once the last Grand Slam of the year is over.
For the moment, there are no clear signs of when a potential return will be for the former world No. 2. Her last appearance was at Wimbledon, where she lost in the first round to Katie Boulter. Shortly after, she announced the relapse of her psoas injury, which affects her lower back and hip—something that has been a recurring issue in her career.
Read also
A Familiar story of resilience: Badosa reflects on injury after US Open withdrawal
Recently, the former Indian Wells champion published an emotional letter on social media where she reflected on the constant complications she has had with injuries throughout her career. “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. My setbacks were not signs that I was weak; they were necessary chapters in a story that is still being written."
"Failure taught me what success never could. It humbled me. It forced me to look inward, to ask difficult questions, to rebuild with more intention and clarity. Every mistake I made sharpened my understanding of who I am and who I am not. And while I once feared those mistakes, I now see them as some of my best teachers."
It's worth remembering that Badosa had been off the court for more than six months between 2023 and 2024, and it took her several months to return to a good level, climbing back up the rankings. The final part of 2024 saw her resurgence—with the semifinals in Cincinnati and quarterfinals of the US Open precisely as part of her best results—but this 2025 has not been successful in finding a good physical state.
"There were times when I thought I had lost everything. My direction, my confidence, my sense of worth. But looking back, I realized I was only losing what no longer served me. Every loss gave space for growth. Every closed door redirected me to a better one."
"I'm not proud of every moment of my past, but I am proud of the person those moments created. The human being I am today is more resilient, more aware, and more grounded because of all I have survived and learned. I no longer run from failure. I respect it because it is the reason I am here. Stronger, wiser, and still growing."
Badosa, 27, has won four career titles, the last of them at the WTA 500 DC Open against Marie Bouzkova—another tournament where she couldn't defend her points. After returning to the top 10 a few months ago, Badosa is starting to see her ranking plummet, and she will once again in her career have to watch her progress be lost due to her inability to be on the court.
I’m not announcing anything lol.
— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) August 8, 2025
Just like to express myself and share it… pic.twitter.com/ksH8nfA6Tq
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
