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Paula Badosa has issued a very positive update after missing significant time in 2023 due to a back injury, saying that she is "getting there" and that her fitness level has returned to 80 percent Badosa, a former world No. 2, sustained a spinal stress fracture just before the French Open. After skipping the French Open, Badosa made her return at Wimbledon - where she won her opening match but retired in her following match due to a back injury. Badosa did not play any tournaments in the remainder of the season.
This past week, Badosa returned to the court by competing at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s been tough months for me and after struggling a lot, I am finally I am on court and I can say I’m healthy, I’m feeling good and really looking forward to next year. I’m getting there. I think I’m 80 percent fit but it’s already a big improvement because a month ago I wasn’t able to step on a court. I think I’m getting there," Badosa told Gulf News.
Badosa on returning to tennis at the World Tennis League
At the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Badosa played five doubles matches - three in women's doubles and two mixed doubles matches. With her best friend Sabalenka, Badosa went 1-2. In her first mixed doubles match, Badosa and her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Sofia Kenin and Daniil Medvedev. Badosa also played with Lloyd Harris in one mixed doubles match.
“This tournament has helped me a lot because it’s is the first time I am back on court after many months out. So for me being able to play even if it’s doubles, because I really have to start slowly, to be able to play with the best players in the world, it’s something that it’s very good for me and it’s a big test,” Badosa said.