After a promising start to 2025 that included reaching the Australian Open semifinals, Paula Badosa has encountered a difficult stretch in her season, particularly following an early exit at Wimbledon. The Spaniard has been battling a persistent back injury that has sidelined her for several weeks, impacting both her professional schedule and personal life. During this challenging time, Coco Gauff supports Paula Badosa recovery efforts, along with Aryna Sabalenka and other tour players, by offering visible encouragement.
Badosa’s injury, which has troubled her since 2023, forced her to withdraw from recent events such as the Citi Open and the ongoing National Bank Open, disrupting her preparations ahead of the US Open. At 27 years old, she has sought treatment and rest at home to regain her fitness. Social media posts reveal that Badosa has been in Dubai, engaging in various activities like visiting beaches to rejuvenate while receiving medical care.
On Instagram, Badosa reflected on her recovery journey, stating,
“Injury slowed me down, but home gave me the space to rise again.”
—Paula Badosa. Her post received early support from Coco Gauff, who liked the update and praised Badosa’s determination to return to competition. Aryna Sabalenka added a heartfelt comment,
“Finally my fav person is happy. Love you.”
—Aryna Sabalenka, demonstrating the solidarity among top players.
Personal Struggles Compound Challenges for Badosa
Beyond her physical setbacks, Badosa is also navigating rumors about her personal relationship with fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas. Their reported breakup has added emotional strain to an already challenging period in her career. This speculation gained traction when Badosa announced her participation in the US Open mixed doubles event with Jack Draper, rather than Tsitsipas, who was initially expected to partner with her.
Shortly after Wimbledon, Badosa and Tsitsipas unfollowed each other on social media, fuelling discussions of a potential split. Despite the rumors, Tsitsipas had previously spoken positively about playing alongside Badosa in mixed doubles. He remarked,
“I believe it’s honestly one of the best feelings to be sharing the court with Paula. So, I’ve had a few instances where we played some mixed doubles and it worked out very well. We were able to enjoy the company of one another on the tennis court and make something great out of it.”
—Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Tsitsipas’ absence from the official list of US Open mixed doubles participants has raised doubts about any future collaboration on the court.
Implications of Badosa’s Recovery and Future Prospects
Paula Badosa’s ongoing recovery is critical not only for her athletic performance but also for restoring her competitive confidence amid personal challenges. The backing she has received from friends and fellow athletes like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka highlights the strong camaraderie within the tennis community during difficult times.
As Badosa aims to fully recover in time for the US Open, her progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts, particularly given her past successes and capable form before injury interruptions. The emotional complexities surrounding her possible breakup with Tsitsipas add a layer of uncertainty to her season, which could influence her performance and focus.
Looking ahead, the tennis world anticipates whether Badosa can return to her top form and how her personal relationships will evolve. Coco Gauff’s public support exemplifies the positive influence of solidarity in professional sports, encouraging resilience and a hopeful comeback for Badosa as she navigates this intense phase of her career.