In a devastating turn of events, Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa was forced to withdraw from her highly anticipated second-round match against Naomi Osaka at the 2025 WTA Rome Open, just minutes before she was set to take the court. The announcement, made on May 8, 2025, came as a crushing blow to fans and the player herself, who has been grappling with a chronic back injury that threatens to cut her promising career short. This withdrawal follows a raw and emotional admission from Badosa earlier in the week, where she revealed the toll her injury has taken on her life, both on and off the court.
Badosa, ranked No. 10 in the world, had been slated to face four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in what was billed as a blockbuster clash at the Grand Stand Arena. The match marked Badosa’s first appearance on clay this season, a surface where her spin-heavy game and tactical prowess have historically shone. However, persistent back pain, which she described as a chronic condition affecting her nerves, made it impossible for her to compete. “Every day I wake up afraid,” Badosa confessed in a recent interview, her voice heavy with vulnerability. “I’m not joking to you, this week I had to send messages to [my coach] Pol [Toledo] at 05:00 in the morning because I couldn’t sleep, I can’t with the question of whether my back will be fine that day or if I will be able to lead a normal life.”
The 27-year-old’s candid words painted a stark picture of the mental and physical anguish she endures daily. Badosa has accepted that her injury, likened to a displaced hernia that irritates her nerves, is likely permanent. “It will last forever, it’s a chronic injury,” she said, acknowledging that she may be forced to retire young and undergo surgery the day after she hangs up her racket. Despite this grim reality, her passion for tennis keeps her fighting, even as the pain disrupts her sleep and daily life. “Tennis gives me a lot, day to day life, I’m so passionate about it,” she added, underscoring her determination to continue as long as her body allows.
Badosa’s withdrawal from Rome is the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have plagued her 2025 season. After a remarkable comeback in 2024, which saw her climb from outside the Top 100 to No. 12 and earn the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award, she started the year strong with a semifinal run at the Australian Open. But her back issues resurfaced, forcing her to pull out of tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid. Her absence from Rome now casts a shadow over her preparations for the French Open, where she hopes to compete later in May. With time still on her side, Badosa remains focused on recovery, but the clock is ticking.
The Rome Open, a key tune-up event for Roland Garros, was seen as a critical opportunity for Badosa to regain her rhythm on clay, where she reached the quarterfinals in 2023. Instead, Swiss player Viktorija Golubic stepped in as a lucky loser to face Osaka, who was coming off a confidence-boosting clay title in Saint Malo. The tennis world, meanwhile, rallied around Badosa, with fans and fellow players expressing hope for her recovery. “Wishing Paula a speedy recovery ❤️🩹,” read a statement from the tournament’s official account, echoing the sentiments of many.
Badosa’s journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Once ranked No. 2 in the world, she has battled not only physical injuries but also mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, throughout her career. Her 2024 season, which included a title in Washington, D.C., and quarterfinal appearances at the US Open, showcased her ability to overcome obstacles. Yet, the recurrence of her back injury has forced her to confront the possibility of an early retirement, a prospect she has bravely accepted. “I’ve definitely taken it in,” she said, reflecting on her situation. “Having such a strong character has helped me accept it over time.”
As Badosa shifts her focus to healing in time for the French Open, her story resonates as one of courage and perseverance. The tennis community holds its breath, hoping to see the Spaniard return to the court she loves, defying the odds once more. For now, her withdrawal from Rome serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of athletic careers and the unyielding spirit required to chase greatness despite overwhelming challenges.
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