Tennis is arguably one of the cruellest sports there is, particularly for injured players.
After all, while most other athletes can rely on lucrative long-term contracts to secure their future regardless of whether they play or not, tennis’ system means that if you’re not playing, you’re not getting paid.
Also, if you do not back up a sensational run of form the following year, ranking drops are inevitable.
That is why so many star names find themselves ranked far lower than their talent indicates they should be, with Jack Draper set for a huge rankings drop as the latest casualty of tennis’ ranking system.
However, arguably one of the biggest sufferers over the last few years has been Paula Badosa, who has now cast doubt over her potential participation at Roland Garros later this month.
Paula Badosa casts doubt over Roland Garros this year
Chatting with Mario Suarez on his YouTube channel, the Spaniard once again spoke about her latest injury concerns just weeks after Badosa exclusively delivered a fitness update to Tennishead.
And whilst she could not reveal a new overwhelming setback, there was still cause for concern after she faded physically in her latest loss in Madrid.
Which of these players have concerned you the most in Madrid?
Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur, Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton all suffered early exits in Spain 😬
Badosa admitted: “I think what happened to me here in Madrid is that I was wasting so much energy battling my own issues in that regard, and I was so worn out over these past months that I reached a point in the third set, and my mind completely shut down.
“I felt totally empty, and right after that, I had a conversation with my team. It was quite interesting, all of us in my room, because I think I need some time right now to stop and mentally assess what’s going on, to recharge a bit.
“I’m someone who loves to come back and fight, but I’m reaching a point where I’m getting a little exhausted. So we’ve decided to take a break, although I don’t know if it will be three or four weeks, or two. Honestly, it’s only been two days. I’m asking to come back.
“But I don’t think it’s very healthy for me to do that, so I’m going to slow down a bit, especially mentally.”
Then asked about Roland Garros, the 28-year-old seemed unsure: “I don’t know if I’m going to go. I’m confessing my secret here [laughs], I’m opening up, but yes, I don’t know if I’m going to go.
“Whether I go will depend a lot on whether I’ve recovered my strength because I know that if I have that strength, things will eventually work out.”
Badosa has entered qualifying for Roland Garros, as she currently sits 101st in the world rankings.
Paula Badosa’s injury timeline
Having enjoyed a sensational 2022 campaign, which concluded with Badosa rising to second in the world rankings, she seemed poised to push on and start regularly challenging for the sport’s elite honours.
Alas, this marked the start of her injury nightmare.
What is the one tennis result you would like to change?
Plenty to pick from!
In 2023, after battling through a thigh and abductor issue, she suffered a stress fracture in her back that pretty much ended her year.
Just when she felt like she had recaptured that fitness for the 2024 campaign, her chronic back problem flared up, and the former Australian Open semi-finalist has since admitted that she considered retirement due to the pain.
This persisted into 2025, with a torn labrum hardly helping matters, with Badosa unable to find form and fitness in 2026 as well.
