Just months ago, Paula Badosa was on the verge of quitting tennis. Injuries, inconsistency, and a dark mental state had pushed the former World No. 2 to the brink. But instead of walking away, she fought back—and now, after a career-reviving run to the 2025 Australian Open semifinals, she’s firmly back in the WTA’s elite.
In an emotional interview with the WTA, Badosa opened up about her lowest moments, her battle with self-doubt, and the turning point that saved her career.
“Physically and mentally, I was in a very dark place. I remember not even wanting to leave my room.”
Now ranked No. 10 in the world, Badosa is proving that resilience can lead to redemption—and she’s aiming for an even bigger breakthrough in 2025.
Badosa’s Breaking Point: The Match That Almost Ended Her Career
Badosa’s injury nightmare began in 2023, when a severe back injury sidelined her for six months after Wimbledon.
Even when she returned at the start of 2024, her body wasn’t fully healed, and her confidence was shattered.
Her rock bottom moment? A first-round loss to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the Madrid Open—a match that left her questioning if she even wanted to continue playing.
“I was in a very sad moment. I didn’t know if I wanted to keep going.”
At that point, Badosa made a deal with herself:
“Let’s see what happens if I give it 100 percent. Try to finish the year and see how you feel. Even when you’re in a dark moment, never stop believing—that’s what brought me where I am today.”
That decision changed everything.
The Turning Point: Citi Open Title & US Open Surge
Badosa’s perseverance finally paid off in Washington, where she won the 2024 Citi Open, her first WTA title in years.
With renewed confidence, she went on to reach the US Open quarterfinals and the China Open semifinals, where she faced Coco Gauff in a heartbreaking loss.
“That Beijing match against Coco was very painful. The last thing I wanted was to struggle again mentally.”
But Badosa didn’t let that loss define her. When she faced Gauff again in the Australian Open quarterfinals, she learned from her mistakes—and this time, she won.
“Getting through that, and the level I did it, I was really proud. I’m really motivated after that.”
Her remarkable run in Melbourne cemented her return to the WTA Top 10, and now, she has her sights set on qualifying for the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
“It was painful missing out last year, but I couldn’t ask for more. Hopefully, this year, I can react sooner and make it to Riyadh.”
What’s Next for Badosa? A Title Push in 2025
With her confidence back and injury problems behind her, Badosa has one goal in 2025—win a WTA 1000 title and push for her first Grand Slam final.
✔️ She’s back in the Top 10
✔️ Her mental game is stronger than ever
✔️ She’s learned how to handle pressure against top players
“After all my struggles, being back at this level makes me realize that I’m much stronger than I thought.”
After nearly walking away from the sport, Paula Badosa is now a player reborn—and in 2025, she’s coming for even bigger victories.