Paula Badosa Defends Australian Open Semifinal Points: 'I'm Severely Lacking Rhythm'

Badosa Returns to Melbourne a Year After Semifinals, Hopes to Shake Off Back Issues and Build Momentum

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 17/01/2026 à 10h49

2 min to read

Badosa Paula Open d'Australie

World No. 26 Paula Badosa faces high stakes at the Australian Open. The Spaniard must defend the points from her semifinal run last year in Melbourne, where she fell to her close friend Aryna Sabalenka.

Plagued by recurring back injuries in recent years, the 28-year-old was unable to string tournaments together last year. She hopes to start fresh this year.

Badosa faces Zarina Diyas in the first round and is the favorite in her section of the draw to reach the third round, where she could then face Jessica Pegula.

"I Must Monitor My Physical Condition Daily"

In the meantime, the 2021 Indian Wells WTA 1000 champion gave an update on her health a few days before returning to the tour, having lost two of her three matches this season.

"Physically, my body has reacted very well. I also had a very long preseason. Over the last two weeks, I competed in events and my body held up well during matches, so the comeback is positive.

Obviously, I must monitor my physical condition daily—you know how much I've suffered from injuries. It's an area I want to improve. I hope this season I can prevent injuries and play many more weeks.

"I Know That With Every Tournament, I'll Improve Little by Little"

Every tournament is different. I'm aware I'm coming off several months without playing—I'm the first to know what's ahead. I know I'm sorely lacking rhythm and match play; I feel it on court.

But I also know that with every tournament, I'll improve bit by bit. Ultimately, what I need is lots of matches and hours on court," Badosa told Punto de Break.