Battling Badosa hits out at online 'disrespect'

Paula Badosa lashed out on Feb18 at a “disrespectful” comment online and vowed to prolong her injury-hit career after a right thigh issue forced the former world No. 2 to retire from her match at the already depleted Dubai Tennis Championships.

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Spain's Paula Badosa leaving the court after forfeiting her last-32 match against Elina Svitolina at the Dubai Tennis Championships after dropping the first set 6-4 on Feb 17. PHOTO: EPA

(EPA)

The Spaniard had worked her way back into the world’s top 10 in 2025 with strong displays after injuries, including a chronic back problem, left her contemplating early retirement in 2024.

Badosa went up 4-1 against Elina Svitolina in her second-round match in Dubai on Feb 17, but lost the next five games and dropped the first set, before the 28-year-old called for treatment and then decided to throw in the towel.

She later took to social media to hit back at an individual who said she disrespected the game.

“You have no idea what it's like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going,” Badosa wrote. “To wake up everyday not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and fighting for something you love and give everything even when it's so difficult.”

Badosa said she faced “endless nightmares” while trying to find lasting solutions, but being able to step onto the tennis court was worth the trouble.