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Badosa Retires in Dubai, Hits Back at Critics
18 Feb
Summary
- Paula Badosa retired from the WTA Dubai Open due to a chronic back injury.
- She expressed frustration with online criticism after her mid-match withdrawal.
- Badosa intends to continue competing despite her health and ranking challenges.
Paula Badosa was forced to retire from her second-round match at the WTA Dubai Open on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, due to a chronic back injury. This withdrawal has added to a growing list of players exiting the tournament.
Following her retirement, Badosa faced significant online criticism, prompting her to post a strong message on X (formerly Twitter). She detailed the daily challenges of competing with a chronic injury and expressed her commitment to the sport, stating she would not retire.
Badosa thanked her supporters and criticized those who offer sympathy for mental health issues while simultaneously attacking players. Her injury worsened after Wimbledon last year, leading to a three-month hiatus. She was previously ranked 10th but has dropped to 78th.
Despite this setback, Badosa is scheduled to compete in the Merida Open, commencing February 23, 2026. She had a similar experience at last year's Merida Open, retiring during her quarterfinal match.
