Paula Badosa 2026: The Comeback Trail, Injury Battle, and Life Beyond the Court
As the Australian summer heats up, all eyes are on Paula Badosa. The Spanish star, once ranked World No. 2, is embarking on a critical 2026 season defined by resilience. After a brutal period sidelined by a chronic back injury and navigating a high-profile personal split, Badosa’s return in Brisbane marks more than just a tournament entry—it’s a statement of intent. For Australian tennis fans who admire grit, her journey from the physio’s table back to centre court is one of the most compelling narratives heading into the summer of tennis.
Backed by close friend and doubles partner Aryna Sabalenka, Badosa is opening up like never before. She’s described her injury ordeal as “one of the most difficult moments” of her career, but now, with fresh belief, she’s determined to reclaim her place among the WTA elite. This is the full story of Paula Badosa in 2026: her fight for fitness, her recent form, and her life beyond the baseline.
Badosa’s Battle: From Chronic Pain to Comeback Queen
Video Correlato: Marie Bouzkova Vs Paula Badosa 🎾LIVE TENNIS WTA Brisbane Australia 2026 Round Of 32 | Live Scores
The story of Paula Badosa’s last two years has been written in medical reports and rehabilitation clinics. What began as a back injury in mid-2023 was later diagnosed as a chronic issue, casting a long shadow over her promising career. The pain and doubt led to what she candidly calls a “tough period,” forcing multiple withdrawals and a significant drop from her career-high ranking.
“This injury was one of the most difficult moments of my career,” Badosa revealed in a recent interview. The mental toll matched the physical, a struggle witnessed closely by her peers on tour.
Her close friendship with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been a cornerstone of her recovery. Sabalenka, who has partnered with Badosa for doubles in Brisbane, offered unwavering support. “I tried to give her the best advice I could,” Sabalenka stated, expressing confidence that the Spaniard can fight her way back to the top. This alliance is a powerful subplot as both players navigate the 2026 season.
Recent Form & 2025 Match Results
Badosa’s current ranking sits at World No. 25, a testament to her struggle for consistency amidst injury comebacks. Her recent match history shows flashes of her top-10 quality, including a strong run to the Round of 16 at the last Australian Open. Here’s a look at some of her key results from the latter part of 2025:
| Date | Tournament | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sep 2025 | WTA Beijing | 1st Round | Karolina Muchova | 0-2 (Loss) |
| 18 Jun 2025 | WTA Berlin | 2nd Round | Emma Navarro | 7-6(2), 6-3 (Win) |
| 16 Jun 2025 | WTA Berlin | 1st Round | Eva Lys | 6-1, 6-4 (Win) |
| Jan 2025 | Australian Open | Round of 16 | Olga Danilovic | 6-1, 7-6(2) (Win) |
| Jan 2025 | Australian Open | Round of 32 | Marta Kostyuk (17) | 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 (Win) |
Life Off the Court: Navigating Stardom and Personal Change
Badosa’s career has always been under a microscope, a pressure she acknowledged when she said, “They were comparing me to a legend,” referencing the early expectations that came with her rapid rise. That scrutiny extended to her personal life, particularly her much-publicised relationship with Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Tsitsipas Chapter: A “Complicated” Saga Concludes
One of the WTA’s most talked-about power couples officially came to an end in 2025. After a rocky journey that included a brief split in May 2023 and a reconciliation, Badosa and Tsitsipas finally parted ways for good around July 2025. Neither made a formal announcement, but Badosa later confirmed her single status in a not-so-subtle social media post.
The breakup mystery deepened when Tsitsipas’s mother, Julia Salnikova, shed light on the challenges. She suggested the couple’s parallel battles with serious injuries and the accompanying emotional struggles created an unsustainable dynamic, describing the relationship as “complicated from beginning to end.” This insight adds a layer of understanding to the personal hurdles Badosa has faced alongside her physical ones.
Paula Badosa: Player Profile at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paula Badosa Gibert |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Age (as of 6 Jan 2026) | 28 |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1997 |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Current WTA Ranking | 25 |
| Career-High Ranking | 2 (Achieved 25 April 2022) |
| Key 2026 Goal | Overcome chronic back injury, return to top 10 |
The Road Ahead for 2026
Badosa’s schedule kicks off in Brisbane, a strategic choice for her comeback. Entering the doubles draw with Sabalenka offers a lower-pressure environment to rebuild match sharpness before the singles rigours of the Australian Open. Her story is no longer just about powerful groundstrokes; it’s a masterclass in perseverance. Australian fans love a fighter, and as she steps onto the court this summer, Paula Badosa embodies exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paula Badosa’s current WTA ranking?
As of January 2026, Paula Badosa is ranked World No. 25. Her career-high ranking is World No. 2, which she achieved in April 2022.
What injury has Paula Badosa been struggling with?
Badosa has been battling a chronic back injury. It first occurred in mid-2023 and was later diagnosed as a persistent issue, leading to significant time off tour and what she describes as one of the most difficult periods of her career.
Are Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas still together?
No, Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas are no longer together. Their relationship, which had several ups and downs, ended for good around July 2025. Badosa has since confirmed she is single.
Where is Paula Badosa playing at the start of the 2026 season?
Paula Badosa is beginning her 2026 season at the Brisbane International. Notably, she has entered the doubles draw alongside her close friend Aryna Sabalenka as part of her comeback from injury.