Spanish tennis sensation Paula Badosa returned to the court recently after a grueling two-month layoff, after which she says she is finally pain-free for the first time in months. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who was ranked as high as World No. 2 in the past, revealed her relief and guarded optimism about returning to competition.
“I’m glad to be back after two months. It was difficult. It was a difficult journey,” Badosa said. “I am still quite far from my level, but hopefully I can be there soon.“
The injury occurred when Badosa was in top shape, both mentally and physically. Her absence from the WTA Tour was sorely missed, especially as she had indicated a resurgence from a turbulent 2023 season also plagued by physical misfortune.
Though physical rehabilitation played an important role in her recuperation, Paula Badosa conceded that the psychological pressure of being out of action was as exhausting. Alluding to the psychological pressure openly, she indicated the disappointment of having to leave the game at the peak of her form.
“This time, for me, mentally, it hurt,” she admitted. “Because I think I was playing the best tennis of my life. I was playing very well. Physically, I was feeling very well also. Stopping like this was difficult for me.“
Badosa’s candid remarks echo the too-frequently neglected psychological issues that plague players in coming back from injury. Her determination to come back stronger and re-regulate her rhythm reflects the determination that has made her a fan favorite on tour.
A Big Comeback for Paula Badosa
Though she is playing free of pain now, Paula Badosa remains cautious about her return form and progress.
“It’s still a process,” she admitted. “I’m very far from my level, but I’m pain-free, and that’s the most important thing for now.”
Badosa’s return injects fresh energy into the women’s tennis scene, as fans and fellow competitors alike look forward to seeing her back at full strength. Her return also comes at the start of the European clay court season, a surface that has always been one where she has been successful.
With a strong team behind her and a focus on her long-term health, Badosa should be able to generate some form in the next couple of months. She is not putting pressure on herself, but just the fact that she is back and pain-free, is good news for her fans.
As she simply said, “Finally I’m back pain-free.”
