Although she's not on the court this week, Paula Badosa is still bringing the heat.
The 2026 season hasn't started off on the right foot for Badosa. She suffered upset losses in the Australian Open and Abu Dhabi Open, she was unable to play against Jelena Ostapenko in the Qatar Open, and then she had to retire mid-match against Elina Svitolina at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Badosa explained to her fans that her back injury isn't something that'll just go away someday. It's something she'll have to manage every tournament on the WTA Tour.
"You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going. To wake up everyday not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and fighting for something you love and give everything even when it’s so difficult," Badosa said. "Trust me I’m the first one suffering with pain and having endless nightmares to try to find solutions every single day and for me after all stepping on a tennis court, makes worth everything every time. So I’ll keep trying. Because it’s all about trying and that won’t change. I’ll always try one more time. I’m doing this for my passion and for myself. And if there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it. That’s just how I see and understand life."
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Despite going through a rough patch on the court, Badosa appears to be in good spirits. She shared a few swimsuit photos on Instagram this Friday.
"Been disconnected... A few unposted ones from life lately," Badosa wrote for her caption.
In less than 12 hours, Badosa's post received 36,800 likes. Several fans sent her heartwarming messages as she continues to recover from her injury.
Will Paula Badosa bounce back?
When healthy, Badosa is undoubtedly one of the top players on the WTA Tour. She was ranked as high as No. 2 in the world during the 2022 season.
Badosa showed promise during the 2024 season, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals of the US Open. She backed up her performance in New York by making it to the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open. Since that run in Melbourne though, it's been a struggle going deep in tournaments.
Hopefully, Badosa can get back to her winning ways during the clay court season.