Badosa back in Madrid: "I'd be lying if I said I was at 100%"
Paula Badosa is making her return to competition in Madrid after withdrawing from Miami last month due to a back injury.
In an interview, she spoke about her physical condition: "I'd be lying if I said I was in top shape or at 100%. I'm recovering, and this might be one of the toughest recoveries because the injury is different from what I’ve had before.
On the other hand, I really struggled to regain my fitness. It was very hard in my daily life—the pain was constant, I had trouble sleeping, and even walking was difficult.
I had a few injections; the first one didn’t work well, but the second went better. Of course, every morning I wake up with fear, but so far, the feedback has been positive.
At least I can train, I’m getting back in shape, and the pain is a little less each day. I’m trying to manage the situation as best I can, trying to disconnect, even though I’m constantly in touch with the doctors.
I’m very grateful for their work because they’re always there for me. Emotionally, it’s tough to handle. In the end, we started the season well, there was a good momentum.
Honestly, I felt like 2025 was going to be the best year of my career. […] After starting with so much confidence, suddenly you stop, and it’s not just the break—the hardest part is getting back to that level.
It’s very difficult because you lose that level quickly, the confidence fades. It’s a process many people don’t see, but it’s long and tough."
With a first-round bye, she will face one of the Kudermetova sisters—Polina or Veronika—in her opening match.
