Paula Badosa, the former world No. 2, has opened up about the challenges she has faced with injuries and the lengths she has gone to in order to prolong her playing career. In a recent episode of the *WTA Insider Podcast*, Badosa revealed that she has received cortisone shots to manage her chronic back pain, which doctors have warned could become a recurring necessity.
“They said this is the only option we can give you and maybe you will have to keep doing that if you want to play for a few more years,” Badosa said. “I said, ‘A few more years? I’m still 26.’ For me that was very tough.”
Badosa’s back injury has derailed her 2023 season, forcing her to withdraw from three Grand Slam tournaments and shut down her season after Wimbledon. The Spaniard has also dealt with numerous other physical issues since her 2022 ranking peak.
“I’ve lived through so many experiences, also mental things,” said Badosa, who has been an advocate for those struggling with mental health struggles. “Now an injury that I was never expecting, to have an injury for this long. Then being on the top, now again low, trying to come back. It’s intense.”
Despite the setbacks, Badosa remains optimistic about her long-term prospects. She is set to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she reached the semifinals as a wild card in 2021.
“For me, being able to play three or four more years would be amazing,” Badosa said.
Badosa’s boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, has been a source of support during her injury struggles.
“I’m just there as much as I can to keep making her feel good that at least we are together and we’re trying to find solution together,” Tsitsipas said.
Badosa’s story is a reminder of the challenges that athletes face in managing injuries and the sacrifices they make to continue their careers.
