By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, March 31, 2026Photo credit score: Credit score One Charleston Open
Paula Badosa, regardless of coping with a number of accidents up 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 an additional 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 come back again on clay. Actually, I feel I performed a reasonably strong match. She’s a really gifted participant. So I didn’t know her a lot. So I used to be fairly shocked for her degree. And I’m glad that I obtained the win,” Badosa mentioned concerning the win afterward.
After reaching a career-high rating of World No. 2 in 2022, Badosa has handled a collection of accidents since then which have threatened to derail her profession.
First was an virtually career-ending stress fracture in her again that has required fixed ache administration. In 2025, she endured what she first thought was a hip damage, solely to later have it recognized as a torn labrum.
These accidents and an absence 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, throughout the occasion’s media day, Badosa was requested whether or not she’s thought-about retirement. She confirmed she has thought of it rather a lot. Nevertheless, her love of the sport retains her persevering regardless of the setbacks.
“Each day,” Badosa mentioned, “Each 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 imagine in myself. I’ve it deep down, and I 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, regardless of the place I play. I simply love these moments.”
“For now, as a result of I adore it a lot, if the physique respects me in a manner and I can deal with it, I’ll play till someday once I actually wish to cease. Proper now, these feelings are extra highly effective than the opposite one that wishes to cease.”
Badosa, who has been candid about her current struggles on social media, admits she is attempting to raised handle her feelings. That features holding a each day journal and working towards meditation. Whereas Badosa admits that she’s had psychological battles with herself when her sport and rating usually are not the place they need to be, she’s nonetheless looking for the stability that can assist her rise above all of it.
“It hurts me, in a manner. I’m not seeing my tennis the place it’s presupposed to be or the place I’d prefer it to be. So, that’s somewhat bit the psychological battle I’ve with myself. I’m attempting to cope with 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 search out.”
Badosa will subsequent face Maria Sakkari within the subsequent spherical.
