Former world No 2 tennis star Paula Badosa says she ‘can’t control voices in my head’ as she sparks retirement fears at just 28 after injury nightmare and power-couple break-up
Paula Badosa declared it ‘feels like I’m drowning’ as the Spanish tennis star shared an emotional post after falling outside the world’s top 100.
The former world No 2 has tumbled in the rankings in recent months, largely due to being sidelined as she continues to battle a long-term back problem.
Badosa had halted her 2025 season in September in a bid to aid her recovery, but has struggled for wins since returning at the start of this season.
The 28-year-old dropped down from tour level in a bid to find form at a challenger in Austin earlier this month, winning three matches before losing in the semi-finals.
Badosa then earned a victory in her first match at the Miami Open, but was then swept aside in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 by rising American star Iva Jovic at the WTA 1000 event.
Having reached the fourth round of the tournament last year, the loss of points by only reaching the second round meant that Badosa fell out of the world’s top 100.
Paula Badosa’s defeat in the Miami Open second round saw the former world No 2 drop out of the top 100
Badosa shared an emotional post on Instagram, admitting sometimes ‘I can’t control voices in my head’ and admitted it ‘feels like I am drowning’
The Spanish star took to Instagram to share an emotional post with her fans, admitting to experiencing ‘fear’ and acknowledging she is ‘far from my best version’.
‘Fear, that damn fear. It’s so awful. Sometimes I feel like I can’t control the voices inside me,’ Badosa wrote. ‘The emotions are overwhelming, and I feel like I’m drowning. Doubts take hold, and I feel lost in a sea of emotions.
‘There are days when I feel strong enough, and others when the mountain seems too high… and I wonder if I’ll be able to do it.
‘I guess so. Because if anything defines me, it’s that I always bounce back. Turn pain into power, right? Why should this time be any different?
‘There’s one thing I’m sure of: I’ll always try with all my might. I’ll do whatever it takes. I know I’m far from my best version, but I also know that version is still inside me.
‘I won’t be remembered for winning the most titles, but I want to be remembered for this. For these moments. For showing that Paula was able to pull through.
‘And that any boy or girl going through a tough time will think of me and say, “If she could do it, so can I.”
‘That’s why I’m still here. Because once again I’m going to prove that I can get through this. It will be very tough, but I promise to keep going until I succeed.
‘And even if things aren’t going my way right now, and there are a thousand opinions… I’ll keep going. And I’ll keep going.
‘And to my fans: thank you. Because many times you are the strength I need. Hearing you during matches, with that enthusiasm when even I can’t muster it, is the most valuable thing this sport has given me.
‘Thank you. Paula isn’t back yet… but she will be.’
Last month, Badosa had hit back at a fan on social media who had accused her of being ‘disrespectful to the game’ due to a series of retirements and withdrawals from matches.
Badosa last year spilt from Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former men’s world No 3
‘You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going. To wake up every day 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 wrote in response.
‘Trust me I’m the first one suffering with pain and having endless nightmares to try to find solutions every single day and for me after all stepping on a tennis court, makes it worth everything every time. So I’ll keep trying. Because it’s all about trying and that won’t change. I’ll always try one more time.
‘I’m doing this for my passion and for myself. And if there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it. That’s just how I see and understand life.’
Badosa’s ranking had peaked in 2022 after she rose to second in the world, but was then forced to miss three of the four Grand Slams the following year due to injury.
She had enjoyed a resurgence at the start of 2025 having made the Australian Open semi-finals, before losing to her best friend Aryna Sabalenka. The maiden Grand Slam semi-final had seen Badosa climb back into the world’s top 10.
The star has also been in the spotlight in recent seasons due to her high-profile romance with Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former men’s world No 3.
Badosa and Tsitsipas had reportedly split around Wimbledon last year, with the pair individually confirming their break-up in November.
