Paula Badosa’s form has continued to spiral in 2026 with the Spaniard continually struggling at the early stages of tournaments.
Badosa has fallen out of the WTA top 100 after crashing out of the Miami Open at the second round stage to Iva Jovic.
The Spanish star holds a 7-8 record in 2026, with her best performance coming at a WTA 125 event in Austin, which saw her reach the semi-final.
Badosa currently sits at World No. 112 in the rankings and she’s explained why she is struggling to find an extended run of wins in 2026.
Paula Badosa cites mental issues as the reason for her form
Speaking to El Larguero, Badosa suggested her current issues are more mental than they are physical, despite the star’s long-running injury problems.
The Spaniard explained: “I have a lot of respect for my rivals, but I think I’m fighting more with myself, for internal things.
Do you think women should play best-of-five set matches?
“Fears, thoughts like ‘What if I don’t achieve this?’ or ‘What if I never get back to where I wanted to be?’ or ‘What if I get injured again?’”
Badosa said those thoughts have been lingering in her mind while she is trying to play WTA-level matches.
“There are many thoughts going through my mind, even during competition, when they shouldn’t be there. It’s complicated. Right now, the negative voice is winning more often than I’d like.
“It’s a constant battle between those two internal voices. I’m working on it daily with specialists and with my team, but a lot depends on me.”
Badosa has been ranked as high as world number two and she reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the 2025 Australian Open.
Paula Badosa continues to try and play her way out of trouble
Despite her difficult time on the WTA Tour, Badosa is showing no signs of quitting and she continues to try and find some form.
After her Miami Open exit, the Spaniard is now set for an appearance at the Charleston Open – and it could be her best chance to rack up some wins.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
Several players have dropped out of the WTA 500 event, including Amanda Anisimova and Emma Navarro, and there is only one player in the top 10 competing.
Badosa is set to play American Kayla Day in her first match in Charleston, who is currently ranked world number 156.
The star should absolutely be looking at the weakened field to try and turn around her current WTA Tour woes.
