Paula Badosa pulls out of Roland Garros qualifying as Paris hopes hinge on withdrawals

Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at 00:30

Paula Badosa has withdrawn from the qualifying draw of Roland Garros, raising further uncertainty about her participation in this year’s tournament in Paris. The Spanish player had been expected to compete in the qualifying event, which begins on May 18, after her ranking left her outside the cutoff for direct entry into the main draw at the second Grand Slam of the season.

The former world No. 2 arrived at the clay swing without the ranking protection she previously held, forcing her into a position where qualifying became her primary route into Roland Garros. A wildcard was not considered a realistic option, as the tournament traditionally allocates those invitations to French players, with only rare exceptions made in recent years for international competitors.

Despite her withdrawal from qualifying, Badosa remains on the alternate list for the main draw, where she is currently positioned fourth. That status leaves open a narrow possibility of entering the tournament directly, but only if multiple withdrawals occur in the days leading up to the start of main draw competition in Paris.

At this stage, her participation depends entirely on external factors rather than competitive progression, leaving her schedule unresolved. If no changes occur in the main draw, the Spaniard will not feature at Roland Garros this year, marking a notable absence given her previous standing among the top players on the WTA Tour.

Decision follows difficult clay swing and Rome absence

Badosa’s withdrawal from Roland Garros qualifying follows a similar decision ahead of the Rome Open, where she also opted not to enter the qualifying draw. At that time, there was an expectation that late withdrawals might allow her to enter the main draw directly, but that scenario did not materialise, leaving her without participation in the Italian event.

Her recent performances on clay have reflected a difficult period, with a sequence of early exits impacting both her ranking and confidence. The world No. 102 has struggled to build consistency during the clay swing, including a first-round loss in Madrid that highlighted the gap between expectations and her current level of performance.

In previous comments, Badosa acknowledged uncertainty regarding her physical and mental condition, stating that her participation in Roland Garros would depend on whether she had “regained” her strength. That statement provided early indication that her schedule could remain flexible depending on her recovery and overall readiness.

Taken together, those factors offer context for her decision to withdraw from qualifying, particularly given the physical demands of playing multiple matches in a short period. Competing in qualifying would have required a sustained level of intensity that may not align with her current condition.

Main draw entry remains possible via late withdrawals

Although she will not compete in the qualifying draw, Badosa’s situation remains open due to her position as an alternate for the main draw. Being fourth on the list places her within realistic range of entry, but still requires a specific sequence of withdrawals to occur before the tournament begins in Paris.

Late withdrawals are not uncommon in Grand Slam events, particularly in the days leading up to the main draw, when players assess fitness concerns or lingering injuries. If four players withdraw, Badosa would gain direct entry into the tournament without needing to play qualifying, which could significantly alter her preparation and scheduling decisions.

If that scenario does not materialise, the Spaniard is expected to miss Roland Garros entirely, shifting her focus toward the upcoming grass-court season. That would mark a continuation of a challenging stretch in which participation has been limited by both form and external circumstances rather than consistent match play.

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.

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