Paula Badosa didn’t reveal much about the extent of her injury or when she will be able to come back but confirmed that it was a lower-back issue that forced her retirement in Merida and that she was working on soon returning to action.
After annihilating Jaqueline Cristian 6-2 6-1 in her opener at the WTA 500 tournament in Merida, the world No. 11 also dominated Daria Saville 6-1 in the opening set of their quarterfinal match.
But then things started to go wrong for the Spanish tennis star, who took a medical timeout and continued the match for only one game before retiring at 3-5 down in the second set.
The retirement itself wasn’t as concerning as the fact that it was a back injury that put Badosa’s career in major jeopardy last year.
And after seeing the reaction to her unfortunate retirement in Merida, the 2025 Australian Open semifinalist took a moment to express her gratitude for the support.
“Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the messages and support. I had to pull out of the match in Mérida because of lower back pain, but I’m already working on getting better,” the world No. 11 announced.
“I’ll give it my all to get back on the court as soon as possible, with more energy than ever. Big hug, Paula.”
Paula Badosa message© Paula Badosa/Instagram – Fair Use
Will Badosa play in Indian Wells?
On Wednesday, the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells is starting.
But even a day earlier, the Spanish tennis star has commitments since she and Stefanos Tsitsipas are signed up for the Eisenhower Cup – TieBreak Tens mixed doubles event which takes place in the desert.
As it stands now, it seems unlikely that Badosa will be able to play in Indian Wells.
Four years ago, she won her maiden WTA 1000 title in the desert.
Tennis World USA