2022 has definitely been one of the best years in Paula Badosa's career. The Spaniard was victorious at the WTA 500 in Sydney, and at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix she reached the semi-finals, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka. Earlier in the same stage, she was eliminated from Indian Wells after a fierce battle with Maria Sakkari. The end of Ashleigh Barty's career allowed her to move to the highest position of her career, second place in the WTA rankings. Unfortunately, there was a significant decline later on.
The Spanish player suffered from health problems that effectively prevented her from regaining her rhythm and returning to her best levels. The tennis player confirmed in interviews that she often suffers from mental problems and that she has been suffering from depression for many years. Pressure and criticism from fans got her into trouble.
Badosa's difficult season. Health problems are a serious obstacle to getting fit
Since the start of the season, Badosa has been playing extremely imaginatively, alternating between successful matches and very bad ones. In Doha, she was eliminated from the 1/16 finals by Laila Fernandez, and a few days later she was forced to withdraw in Dubai due to health problems. The tournaments in Miami and Charleston also ended too quickly for her. Therefore, the 26-year-old has already fallen outside the top 100 of the WTA rankings.
The Spanish tennis player expressed her hope that the tournament in Stuttgart would be successful for her, at least. In the first round, the 26-year-old won 6:3, 6:4. Unfortunately, Aryna Sabalenka was waiting for her in the second match, just like in Miami. The Belarusian has won three matches in a row against Badosa, although the match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix did not go as she expected.
After the tiebreak, Sabalenka won the first set with a score of 7:6 (4), but the second set went to Badosa. Unfortunately, the match was stopped prematurely due to the Spaniard's injury. When the score was 3-3, the tennis player indicated that she was unable to continue playing and burst into tears. a reason? Adductor muscle tear. However, the athlete's health condition is much more serious than expected.
Will Paula Badosa return to the highest levels? Doctors' pessimistic diagnoses
– Doctors told me that it might be difficult for me to continue my career – Courtney Nguyen admitted in the podcast of WTA Insider journalist.
During her career, the former runner-up of the WTA rankings faced, among other things: with hip, knee and back injuries. Doctors doubt her ability to continue her career at the highest level. You may have to take special cortisone injections, which are on the list of prohibited substances.
“For me, to be able to play for another three or four years would be great. I think what keeps me fighting every day is the love I have for this sport.” The 26-year-old added: “I always had the goal of being one of the best.” players in the world.
“Hello everyone. First of all, thank you for all the support I have received. This is not an easy time for me. Today's medical examination revealed a small tear in the adductor muscle. We will work with the whole team so that we can play in Madrid, you know,” the tennis player wrote. “How special it is for me to play for myself, and in front of all of you I will try to do everything to get there and enjoy everything again.”
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