Tennis is a cruel sport that waits for no one.
And, with a rankings system that rewards consistency over multiple years rather than short-term success, injuries can completely ravage any progress made.
Jack Draper had broken into the top 10 last year, but missing the entire second half of the season has now seen him fall to 25th in the world.
Holger Rune is another example, who again reached tenth in the world last October, but has since fallen to 28th, having been injured ever since.
However, perhaps the best and most heartbreaking example of this phenomenon is Paula Badosa, who has just suffered her latest ranking drop after losing early in Miami.
Paula Badosa suffers new rankings drop after early Miami Open exit
Badosa’s injury concerns have been well-documented, largely because they have seemingly plagued her entire career.
However, during the times when they have not been as overwhelming, the Spaniard has established herself as one of the best players in the world.
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A former world number two and a Grand Slam semi-finalist as recently as last year, it’s crushing to see such a talented individual thwarted by matters outside of her control.
Badosa exclusively opened up about her injury struggles and fan criticism earlier in the year to Tennishead, explaining the intricacies of dealing with these issues on a day-to-day basis.
Now, after her early exit from the Miami Open, just a week after she also lost in the first round at Indian Wells, the 28-year-old has dropped outside of the top 100, now ranked 113th in the world.
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Badosa actually provided a recent update on her fitness concerns, speaking to Clay Tenis.
Unsurprisingly, it was not one of overwhelming positivity.
“I do many different therapies, but above all, I speak with my psychologist daily,” she began, outlining the mental turmoil that such physical hurdles bring: “In the morning, in the middle of the day, at night. In the end, is my key person.”
Badosa continued: “This sport is already very mental, and having to accept moments when my body is not as agile and does not respond as well is difficult. This is what I am suffering the most. Tennis is very emotional.”
She concluded by explaining the difficulties around losing key parts of her game to injury, and the internal struggle she faces because of this: “Sometimes I also feel that I have to change my style of play, and that’s when I maybe lose myself a little.
“But I am trying to work on it, I am trying to accept that this is what it is right now. Hopefully it will improve and my body will respond better, but for the moment all that is left is to fight and stay positive.”
