In a candid and emotional revelation, Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa admitted that she came dangerously close to quitting the sport due to her ongoing battle with injuries. The former World No. 2, who has been sidelined by a series of setbacks, opened up about the mental and physical toll that constant injuries have taken on her, leading her to question whether she should continue her tennis career.
Speaking after her most recent return to the court, Badosa revealed just how close she was to calling it quits. “I’ve had so many moments where I thought, ‘Maybe I should quit,’” Badosa confessed. “The injuries have been brutal, and there were days where I didn’t see a way forward. It was hard to keep going when every time I felt like I was making progress, I’d get knocked down again.”
The 25-year-old has been plagued by various injuries over the past year, forcing her to miss major tournaments, including the 2023 French Open and Wimbledon. These setbacks, combined with the emotional toll of her struggles, left her doubting her future in the sport she loves.
“At my lowest points, I really didn’t know if I had the strength to keep going. I’ve been in pain both physically and mentally,” she admitted. “There were moments where I thought tennis wasn’t worth it anymore, and I’d never find my way back.”
Despite these dark moments, Badosa ultimately found the resolve to keep fighting, with the support of her team, family, and fans. Her decision to persevere is a testament to her determination, but she’s also realistic about the challenges ahead. “It’s been tough, and I’m still working through it,” she said. “But I love this sport, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Badosa’s story is one of resilience and vulnerability, as she opens up about the often unseen struggles athletes face behind the scenes. Her honesty has struck a chord with fans, many of whom admire her openness about the emotional challenges that come with dealing with injuries.
As Badosa continues her journey back to full fitness, her admission that she nearly retired serves as a reminder of the intense physical and mental demands placed on professional athletes. For now, though, she’s determined to keep playing, even if the road to recovery remains uncertain. “I’m still here, still fighting,” Badosa said. “And as long as I can, I’ll keep going.”
