By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Picture credit score: Credit score One Charleston Open
Paula Badosa, regardless of coping with a number of accidents prior to now few years, isn’t able to say goodbye to tennis simply but.
The previous prime 10 participant is again in motion at one in all her favourite tournaments, this week’s Credit score One Charleston Open. A former semifinalist on the WTA 500 occasion, Badosa is hoping for one more good week on the inexperienced clay.
Badosa, 28, loved a profitable begin to the event as she defeated American qualifier Kayla Day 6-4, 6-3 of their opening spherical match.
“All the time feels good to return again on clay. Actually, I believe I performed a reasonably strong match. She’s a really proficient participant. So I didn’t know her a lot. So I used to be fairly stunned for her degree. And I’m completely happy that I bought the win,” Badosa stated concerning the win afterward.
After reaching a career-high rating of World No. 2 in 2022, Badosa has handled a sequence of accidents since then which have threatened to derail her profession.
First was an nearly career-ending stress fracture in her again that has required fixed ache administration. In 2025, she endured what she first thought was a hip harm, solely to later have it identified as a torn labrum.
These accidents and a scarcity of matches have left Badosa with a 7-8 win-loss report to start out 2026. Along with her present rating of World No. 113, Badosa wanted a wildcard to enter Charleston.
So it’s no shock that, through the occasion’s media day, Badosa was requested whether or not she’s thought of retirement. She confirmed she has considered it so much. Nonetheless, her love of the sport retains her persevering regardless of the setbacks.
“Every single day,” Badosa stated, “Every single day, I’m eager about it, however then there’s one thing that’s even stronger and extra highly effective: That I nonetheless have religion, and I nonetheless consider in myself. I’ve it deep down, and I really like the game an excessive amount of. I’ve a lot ardour for the game, and I discover it each time I step on a court docket to compete. I get goosebumps, irrespective of the place I play. I simply love these moments.”
“For now, as a result of I like it a lot, if the physique respects me in a manner and I can deal with it, I’ll play till sooner or later after I actually wish to cease. Proper now, these feelings are extra highly effective than the opposite one that desires to cease.”
Badosa, who has been candid about her current struggles on social media, admits she is attempting to higher handle her feelings. That features maintaining a every day journal and training meditation. Whereas Badosa admits that she’s had psychological battles with herself when her sport and rating are usually not the place they need to be, she’s nonetheless looking for the stability that may assist her rise above all of it.
“It hurts me, in a manner. I’m not seeing my tennis the place it’s alleged to be or the place I’d prefer it to be. So, that’s just a little bit the psychological battle I’ve with myself. I’m attempting to take care of it, seeing it with perspective and persistence. Nonetheless, I’m very aggressive and I’ve that facet in me. It’s a tricky stability to seek out.”
Badosa will subsequent face Maria Sakkari within the subsequent spherical.
