A month after Paula Badosa’s emotional revelation about her chronic back injury, which she admitted would likely force her to retire young, the Spanish tennis star shared crucial positive news with fans: she has returned to competitive tennis pain-free for the first time in nearly two years. On May 20, 2025, Badosa advanced to the quarterfinals of the Strasbourg International after her opponent, Marie Bouzkova, retired due to injury during their match. In a post-match interview, Badosa expressed relief and optimism, stating, “I’m happy to be back after two months. It was tough. It was a tough journey. I’m still very far from my level, but hopefully I can be there soon.”
Badosa’s 2025 season has been marred by a persistent lower back injury that led to her withdrawal from key tournaments, including the Mutua Madrid Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open, and the Italian Open in Rome. In early May, she candidly discussed the physical and emotional toll of her condition, revealing that doctors had warned her at Indian Wells that continuing her career would be challenging, with cortisone injections offering only temporary relief. Despite these setbacks, her return in Strasbourg marks a significant milestone. Badosa’s ability to compete without pain is a promising sign as she prepares for the French Open, where she aims to rediscover her top form.[](https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/complicated-injury-paula-badosa-forced-miss-madrid-back-issue)[](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4261335/badosa-kvitova-withdraw-from-rome-jabeur-advances-via-walkover)[](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4253778/back-injury-forces-paula-badosa-out-of-madrid-open)
Her comeback has sparked enthusiasm among fans, with posts on X celebrating her resilience. One user noted, “Paula Badosa regresa por fin, casi dos meses después,” highlighting the significance of her return after nearly two months sidelined. Badosa’s next challenge in Strasbourg will be against either Diane Parry or Varvara Gracheva, offering her a chance to build momentum on clay. While she acknowledges being far from her peak level, this pain-free return is a beacon of hope for the former world No. 2, who is determined to extend her career despite the chronic injury that continues to loom over her future.
