Recent reports have stirred concern among tennis fans following claims by a Spanish ATP veteran, identified as Francesc Orriols, suggesting that Paula Badosa may have already retired from professional tennis due to ongoing health struggles. The 27-year-old Spanish star, once ranked world No. 2, has faced significant challenges with a chronic lower back injury, including a recent psoas muscle tear that forced her withdrawal from competition after a first-round loss to Katie Boulter at Wimbledon 2025 on July 1. Orriols, reflecting on her journey, expressed sympathy, stating that her physical toll—marked by missed tournaments and a ranking drop to No. 140—might have pushed her to an early exit from the sport.
Badosa’s injury woes intensified this year, with retirements at events like the Berlin Open and a history of cortisone injections to manage pain, which she admitted exceeded medical limits by April. Her emotional Instagram post on July 14, revealing the psoas injury and describing “really challenging times,” fueled speculation about her future. Orriols’ assertion aligns with Badosa’s past contemplation of retirement, notably after a 2023 stress fracture, though she has not officially confirmed stepping away. Instead, she vowed to “never stop fighting,” hinting at a possible return after recovery.
The claim remains unverified, as Badosa has only indicated a break of “a few weeks,” with hopes of resuming before the US Open in August. Her resilience—evident in a 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award and a 2025 Australian Open semifinal—suggests she may yet defy the veteran’s prognosis, though her health remains the deciding factor.
