Paula Badosa’s 2024 season has taken an unfortunate turn, and for the Spaniard, what looked like a promising year of resurgence has been cut short. After an impressive run that saw her clinch the Citi Open title, reach the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters, and make it to the quarterfinals of the US Open, Badosa’s campaign has ended abruptly due to illness. The setback came during the Asian swing of the WTA Tour, where Badosa had kicked off her campaign with strong performances, only to be forced to retire from her semifinal match at the Ningbo Open against Daria Kasatkina. Badosa lost the first set 4-6 before conceding a walkover due to illness, marking a sudden and disappointing halt to her season.
In a heartfelt message shared with her followers on Instagram, Badosa confirmed that her 2024 season was officially over. “Because of health issues I wasn’t able to play yesterday and won’t be able to play Tokyo unfortunately. My 2024 season has ended. It has been a very long season where I overcame situations I thought were impossible,” she wrote. The Spaniard expressed a mix of pride and disappointment, as she had fought hard throughout the year to reclaim her place among the top players in the world.
Despite her frustration, Badosa remained positive about the progress she had made during the season. “I’m very proud of myself. I’m back where I wanted to be and where I was aiming since my comeback,” she added, noting that she was looking forward to representing Spain in the Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) finals in Malaga. The message was one of resilience, as Badosa assured fans she would use the time off to recover and return stronger for the next phase of her career. “Thank you for the support always. See you soon,” she concluded.
This walkover marked the fourth time in 2024 that Badosa had been forced to withdraw from a match due to health or injury-related issues, adding to the sense of frustration that has accompanied what otherwise has been a stellar year for the 26-year-old. Even if she had managed to continue playing at the Japan Open, where she was scheduled to face Katie Boulter in the first round and potentially Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarterfinals, her path to a title would have been difficult. However, given her form and resilience this season, fans remained optimistic about her chances in Asia, a region where Badosa has often thrived and expressed a fondness for playing.
Badosa’s withdrawal is undoubtedly a disappointment, especially given the upward trajectory of her 2024 campaign. The Spaniard had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but health concerns have repeatedly slowed her progress. Still, this setback is just one chapter in a career that has been defined by overcoming adversity.
Badosa’s 2024 season started with uncertainty as she battled back from a serious back injury that plagued her earlier in the year. Reflecting on her struggles, Badosa has been open about the toll it took on her both physically and mentally. In an interview in September, she revealed how difficult the middle of the season had been, calling it the “low point” of her year. “It was really bad. Coming from the injury in the beginning, you never know what to expect,” she said, adding that her back issues had shaken her confidence and made it hard for her to find consistency in her game.
There was a time, Badosa admitted, when she seriously considered walking away from tennis altogether. “In my mind, I was thinking, like, maybe I should quit because if I’m not at the highest level, I don’t want to play this sport. I don’t want to be in the ranking I was in at that moment,” she confessed. For Badosa, being among the top players in the world isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. “That’s how I am as a person. If I’m not at the top, I don’t want to play this sport,” she said candidly.
However, Badosa didn’t give in to those thoughts. Instead, she stuck to her training plan, leaned on her support team, and trusted the process of recovery. The results speak for themselves. Now ranked No. 15 in the world, Badosa’s decision to persevere rather than quit has paid off in remarkable fashion. Her ability to turn pain into power is a testament to her character and determination.
Badosa’s recovery was far from easy. At one point, doctors told her that continuing her tennis career would be “very complicated” without the use of cortisol injections to manage her back issues. But with the help of her team, Badosa defied the odds, gradually working her way back to peak form. In a heartfelt message posted to her Instagram stories earlier this year, she thanked those who had stood by her through thick and thin. “This is the true treasure that I have. Not the sporting success, but the people I have by my side. I love you,” she wrote, highlighting the importance of her support system in her journey.
Now, with the 2024 season behind her, Badosa’s focus will shift to recovery and preparation for the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Malaga, where she hopes to represent Spain. Her fans are eagerly anticipating her return, knowing that this setback is just another hurdle in a career that has already seen her overcome so much.
As Badosa closes the book on 2024, there is a sense of optimism about what 2025 might hold. With her ranking restored, her confidence renewed, and her determination stronger than ever, Badosa has all the tools to make an even bigger impact in the coming season. Her journey from nearly quitting to reclaiming her place among the world’s best is nothing short of inspiring, and if there’s one thing Badosa has proven, it’s that she can bounce back from anything. Fans can only hope that 2025 brings better health and even greater success for the relentless Spaniard. Let us know your thoughts on Paula Badosa’s 2024 season in the comments below.