In May 2023, the Spanish tennis star injured her back during a quarterfinal of the Rome Open.
After playing one tournament in the remainder of 2023, Badosa’s health problems continued in early 2024. Then the former world number 2 was diagnosed with chronic back problems. The Spaniard was 26 at the time – doctors had advised her to retire – she didn’t listen, but admitted at the time that three to four more years of playing was the best scenario.
Badosa also started a new treatment for her back at the time – and it worked. That led to the Spaniard rediscovering her best tennis as she won Washington, reached three more semi-finals, reached the quarter-finals of the US Open and returned to the top 10.
Badosa also made a flying start to 2025, making her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. But then the 28-year-old’s back problem resurfaced and she was only able to play ten tournaments the rest of the year. She also left the top 10 and enters 2026 as number 25 in the world.
Badosa: The injury was one of the toughest moments of her career
“The injury was one of the toughest moments of my career. What kept me motivated was my love for the sport and my desire to come back stronger. I worked a lot on patience and self-awareness. This year my approach is about listening to my body and staying consistent,” said the former world number 2. A&E Magazine.
Currently, Badosa is healthy again and plans to play in Brisbane, Adelaide and the Australian Open in January.
“My main goal is consistency: staying healthy, competing at the highest level and enjoying the process. Of course, I also want to fight for major tournaments; that is always a goal,” the 2025 Australian Open semi-finalist noted.
For Badosa to have a successful 2026, staying healthy is a must.
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