The Spanish Paula Badosa, who in recent months has been suffering from continuous back problems that have led to several withdrawals and her absence from tournaments, confesses that in March the doctors had told her that “it would be very complicated” for her to continue as a player.
“In Indian Wells (March 6 to 17), the doctors told me that it would be very difficult to continue my career,” says Badosa, in statements made to the WTA, where he also points out that he received treatment with cortisone injections to mitigate the strong pains that he has been suffering.
Badosa, who became world number 2 (April 25, 2022) and is currently number 101 due to her back problems, recognizes that the injections, as indicated by the doctors, were the “only option” they could give her and that, perhaps, I would have to continue with them to be able to play for a few more years.
“I said: ‘A few more years? I’m still 26.’ For me that was very hard,” confesses the Spanish born in New York.
Badosa’s back problems already began to show in 2023, having to withdraw from three ‘Grand Slam’ tournaments and close his season after Wimbledon.
“I have lived so many experiences, also mental things,” said Badosa, who also years before was an advocate for those who struggle with mental health problems.
“Now an injury that I never expected, having an injury for so long. Then being at the top, now down again, trying to get back. It’s intense,” he points out.
The Spaniard does not hesitate to confess that what makes her fight every day “is the love I feel for this sport.” “For me to be able to play three or four more years would be incredible,” she adds.
Now he arrives in Madrid, for the Mutua Open, after retiring due to a vertebra injury in the Stuttgart Tournament. According to the draw for the main draw, he is waiting for one of the qualifiers from the previous round in the first round, but her participation is still in question due to the discomfort that she accuses.
