Badosa Reflects on Injury-Plagued Year: 'Never Stopped Believing'

Tennis star Paula Badosa has described 2026 as a difficult year, characterized by numerous injuries and a decline in her world ranking from 25th to 57th. Reflecting on the season, Badosa shared on Instagram that the year "has tested my patience, my confidence and my ability to keep going." Despite these challenges, she emphasized her unwavering self-belief.

Badosa's performance saw a notable surge during a brief clay-court stretch after Wimbledon, where she won 10 of 12 matches, including a Challenger title and reaching another final. However, a subsequent slump and consecutive losses saw her drop out of the Top 100, leading her to withdraw from the French Open qualifiers to protect her health.

Chronic back issues have plagued Badosa for some time, often requiring injections to compete. She experienced significant setbacks, including retirements from matches due to physical distress, notably in the Iasi Open final. The season concluded prematurely at the Hong Kong Open after she retired due to heat-related issues.

In addition to physical battles, Badosa also made a significant coaching change, parting ways with Pol Toledo in October. Toledo had guided her through several key career milestones. Badosa aims for a stronger performance at major tournaments in the upcoming season, signaling her intent for a powerful return.