Paula Badosa sparks retirement fears aged 28 and admits ‘it feels like I’m drowning’

Paula Badosa has vowed to ‘bounce back’ following a tumultuous year on court.

The former world No.2 sparked retirement fears with an emotional message to her fans on social media.

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Badosa admitted ‘fear’ and the ‘voices inside me’ have left her feeling as if she is ‘drowning’ as she opened up on her recent struggles.

The 28-year-old has dropped to 100th in the world rankings after her 2025 season was curtailed by injury.

A year which began with a run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, her best performance at a Grand Slam, ended in September.

Badosa opted to take a break from tennis in order to aid her recovery from a back injury.

However, she has struggled for consistency since returning to the court in January.

Her 15 matches so far in 2026 have seen Badosa win just seven times, with three of those victories coming at this month’s Austin Challenger event.

The Spaniard made it to the semi-finals in Texas, where she was beaten by Bianca Andreescu.

Although her performance at the tournament saw her move up to 100 in the WTA rankings, she remains a world away from her career high of No.2 from four years ago.

Badosa’s statement

Badosa has now offered an insight into her emotional battle by revealing the ‘overwhelming’ doubts she has been dealing with.

In a post shared to her Instagram, she wrote: “Fear, that damn fear. It’s so awful. Sometimes I feel like I can’t control the voices inside me.

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“The emotions are overwhelming, and I feel like I’m drowning. Doubts take hold, and I feel lost in a sea of ​​emotions.

“There are days when I feel strong enough, and others when the mountain seems too high… and I wonder if I’ll be able to do it.

“I guess so. Because if anything defines me, it’s that I always bounce back. Turn pain into power, right? Why should this time be any different?

“There’s one thing I’m sure of: I’ll always try with all my might. I’ll do whatever it takes. I know I’m far from my best version, but I also know that version is still inside me.”

Badosa continued: “I won’t be remembered for winning the most titles, but I want to be remembered for this. For these moments. For showing that Paula was able to pull through.

“And that any boy or girl going through a tough time will think of me and say, ‘If she could do it, so can I.’

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“That’s why I’m still here. Because once again I’m going to prove that I can get through this. It will be very tough, but I promise to keep going until I succeed.

“And even if things aren’t going my way right now, and there are a thousand opinions… I’ll keep going. And I’ll keep going.

“And to my fans: thank you. Because many times you are the strength I need. Hearing you during matches, with that enthusiasm when even I can’t muster it, is the most valuable thing this sport has given me.

“Thank you. Paula isn’t back yet… but she will be.”

When does Badosa play next?

As well as her injury lay-off, Badosa also split from her ex-partner and fellow tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas last year.

Meanwhile, her wait for a fifth career singles title has extended to almost two years.

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Badosa last tasted glory at the Washington Open back in August 2024.

That victory also represents her last singles final, although she did reach two WTA 1000 semi-finals during the same year.

She is set to return to action for the first time since the Austin Challenger at next week’s Charleston Open.

Badosa has received a wildcard entry for the event, which will feature world No.5 Jessica Pegula as the top seed.