Former Grand Slam semi-finalist Paula Badosa has cast doubt on her participation in this year's French Open, as the Spaniard continues to battle a persistent back injury that has derailed her once-promising career.
Tennis is a sport that demands both physical excellence and mental resilience, but for players grappling with injuries, the toll can be devastating. Unlike athletes in team sports who enjoy guaranteed contracts, tennis pros earn nothing when they're sidelined—and a slump in form can send them tumbling down the rankings with no safety net.
Badosa knows this harsh reality all too well. Just two years ago, she soared to world No. 2, dazzling fans with her powerful groundstrokes and fierce determination. But a series of injury setbacks and tournament withdrawals have seen her slide outside the top 120, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the professional game.
In a recent candid interview on Mario Suarez's YouTube channel, Badosa opened up about her ongoing fitness struggles, following up on an earlier update she shared with Tennishead. While she hasn't suffered a major new setback, her physical limitations were painfully evident during her latest loss in Madrid.
"I think what happened to me here in Madrid is that I was wasting so much energy battling my own issues," Badosa explained. "I was so worn out over these past months that I reached a point in the third set, and my mind completely shut down. I felt totally empty."
That emotional low prompted a frank conversation with her team. "It was quite interesting, all of us in my room, because I think I need some time right now to stop and mentally assess what's going on, to recharge a bit," she said. "I'm someone who loves to come back and fight, but I'm reaching a point where I'm getting a little exhausted. So we've decided to take a break, although I don't know if it will be three or four weeks or two. Honestly, it's only been two days. I'm asking to come back. But I don't think it's very healthy for me to do that, so I'm going to slow down a bit, especially mentally."
When pressed about Roland Garros, which begins later this month, Badosa was non-committal. The uncertainty surrounding her participation adds another layer of drama to the clay-court season, where the Spaniard has previously shown flashes of brilliance. For fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, her journey serves as a poignant reminder that even the most graceful athletes need the right support—both on and off the court—to keep chasing their dreams.