September 30, 2025 10:48:48 +0000
If one has to define September 2025 in one word, it was painful for tennis fans. The ninth month of the year saw multiple players taking harsh calls on their journeys ahead on the court due to injury woes or mental breakdown. Not to mention the scheduling woes, resulting in untimely withdrawals and frustration by stars like Iga Swiatek. And then there were Jack Draper, Hubert Hurkacz, and Elina Svitolina who were forced to cut short their seasons entirely. But even the last day of the month saw a painful addition to the list – Spanish WTA star, Paula Badosa.
After missing the entire North American swing and the US Open due to her back injury, the Spanish pro finally made her return last week. At the China Open, the former World No.2 looked solid after winning the first round against Croatia’s Antonia Ružić. But Badosa’s happiness of being on the court didn’t last long. After trailing 2-4 against Karolina Muchova in the very first set of the next round, she took an MTO due to an issue in her left thigh. She couldn’t recover from it and eventually decided to withdraw from the event. But the biggest shock was yet to come.
On Tuesday, the Spaniard realized she had had enough of her painful journey this season and put up a teary message on her Instagram story. Still displaying resilience, she began, “There are times when I ask myself how l manage to keep going through the toughest, most painful moments. And the truth is, it’s in those exact moments that I discover the deepest strength inside me. Every setback hurts, but it also reminds me how badly! want to fight, how much I want to come back stronger.” The caption of her story read, “See you in 2026,” while confirming an end to her 2025 season.
Badosa didn’t forget to acknowledge her supporters and fans, who always stood by her during tough times. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without the people who continue to believe in me. Your support carries me when things get heavy, and your faith gives me courage when doubt creeps in.”
Ending her message on a positive note, she wrote, “No matter how many obstacles come my way, I promise you this: l will keep fighting, I will keep pushing, and I will keep finding my way back.” Well, she is right indeed, as the Spaniard managed to find her lost spirits earlier this year, after a long gap, down under. In 2026, she would like to replicate that magic once again.
Paula Badosa will try to find a ray of hope in Melbourne
Remember how Paula Badosa turned into the most unexpected sensation at the Australian Open this year? While the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys were grabbing attention, the former World No.2 also managed to steal the limelight. All thanks to her stellar hard court campaign in Melbourne.
Badosa not only stunned everyone with her impeccable performances but made history for herself. In her WTA career, she reached the semis of a slam for the first time. She did it after besting two-time slam winner Coco Gauff in the quarterfinal. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest achievement of her singles journey to date. “I’m a bit emotional – as you know, I’m a very emotional person,” she confessed while trying to control her tears of joy. “I’ve been through a lot. I was in the past one of the best players in the world, but I think now I’m a better player,” as reported by the BBC in January.
In 2024, she was named the WTA Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a stress fracture in her spine. Hence, the campaign in Melbourne was the best way she could prove herself again.
And now, Badosa will try to do the same in 2026 as well at the Australian Open. Hopefully, her avid fans will see her recover sooner before stepping on the court down under. Will she go one step further this time and clinch a maiden major title? Only time will tell.