Paula Badosa has faced many struggles with injury in recent years, which has recently become very present once again.
Badosa admittedly nearly quit tennis after continued struggles with a chronic back injury that left her on the sidelines.
Back injuries have not been the only struggle for the former world number two, with a leg injury also causing her recent struggles.
After being forced to withdraw from the US Open, Badosa posted a message to social media reflecting on her recent setbacks.
It was then confirmed that Badosa would come back for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals to represent Spain in Shenzhen for her first tournament since Wimbledon.
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Billie Jean King CupPaula Badosa provides fitness update after BJK Cup defeat
Despite dropping 10 places in the WTA rankings since her last match, Badosa is still the Spanish number one and was required for a really important match in the quarterfinal tie against Ukraine.
After Spain lost the opening match of the tie, it meant that Badosa needed to beat world number 13 Elina Svitolina.
Although she was able to win the first set, Badosa was beaten by Svitolina, 5-7 6-2 7-5, in a close-fought match that confirmed Spain’s exit from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
When reflecting on the defeat in Spain’s post-match press conference, Badosa revealed that she had taken motivation from how close she was from beating a top player after two months away from the match court.
“Of course, I’m sad that we lost as a team,” said Badosa. “I’m really proud of myself because I gave my all. It was a game of margins. It was very tight at the end. I think we both played a very good level.
“Especially in my case after two months and a half outside of competition, coming back in this level, playing against I think she’s top 12 in the world, for me means a lot.
“It gives me motivation to continue on all this faith that I have the level to be there again. Of course, I’m proud of my fight today. In a way sad because I hate to lose, but I’m really proud.”
Understandably, Badosa was then asked how she was feeling physically after the two-plus hour battle with Svitolina.
Badosa answered by firstly speaking about the response she had received to the aforementioned social media message, before suggesting that she was feeling physically fine, but fatigued, something she claimed would improve when playing more matches.
“Yeah, I mean, speaking about the injury, was great. The feedback was amazing,” answered Badosa. “Of course, I need matches. You can feel that sometimes I was getting too tired.
“Maybe that, if I was a little bit more fresh, the match would be different. But it is how it is. After all my circumstances, I think it was a good match.”
Paula Badosa reveals her goals for the rest of the 2025 season
Some players have limited goals for the rest of the season after the US Open, with the next Grand Slam not until January 2026 at the Australian Open.
However, that is not the case for Badosa, who is looking to make up for lost time, while also planning ahead for the 2026 season.
When speaking about her goals for the rest of the season, Badosa explained that she is hoping to play as many matches as possible.
“Well, the expectations won’t change for the end of the season,” said Badosa. “I’m going to play the last tournaments of the year. I haven’t played much this year.
“What I want, I think my big goal is to start already looking 2026. I want to finish the best way possible this year. I hope I can play as many matches as possible also, try to get as fit as possible in the pre-season. Looking forward to that.”
Badosa will look to play the same schedule as she did last year, as she is entered into three upcoming tournaments in China.
The 27-year-old had to miss the Wuhan Open due to illness in 2024, but impressed in Beijing and Ningbo after reaching the semifinals.
Paula Badosa’s Upcoming ScheduleRanking points she is defending from 2024China Open (WTA 1000)390 (SF)Wuhan Open (WTA 1000)0 (Did not play)Ningbo Open (WTA 500)195 (SF)
Badosa will now head to the Chinese capital for her next tournament in Beijing, which begins on Wednesday, September 24.
The Spaniard will be hoping to improve from her defeat against Svitolina, as Badosa is defending 390 ranking points at the China Open.