Tennis Star Paula Badosa Fires Back at Online Critics After Injury Forces Match Exit

Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa defended herself against online criticism after a thigh injury forced her to withdraw from her Dubai tournament match. The former world No. 2 spoke out about the challenges of competing with chronic injuries and the mental health impact of social media abuse on athletes.

Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa issued a strong response Wednesday to online critics who accused her of showing disrespect to the sport after a thigh injury forced her to withdraw from her Dubai Tennis Championships match.

The 28-year-old athlete, who previously held the world No. 2 ranking, had been leading 4-1 against Elina Svitolina in Tuesday’s second-round contest before losing five consecutive games and the opening set. Following medical treatment for her right thigh, Badosa made the difficult decision to retire from the match.

After facing criticism on social media, Badosa responded with a passionate defense of her decision and career struggles.

“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.”

The Spanish player has battled multiple injuries throughout her career, including persistent back problems that nearly led her to consider early retirement in 2024. Despite these setbacks, she managed to climb back into the top 10 rankings last year through determined performances.

Badosa described experiencing “endless nightmares” while seeking permanent solutions to her health issues, but emphasized that her love for tennis makes the struggle worthwhile.

“So I’ll keep trying,” she stated. “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 … If there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it. That’s just how I see and understand life.”

Her response has sparked broader discussion about the harmful impact of social media criticism on professional athletes.

“For me the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this,” Badosa continued. “Then we complain if we see players suffering and having mental health issues, but I’m not surprised with the amount of hate and ‘experts’ we have here.”

The Women’s Tennis Association confirmed to Reuters that shielding players from online harassment and threats remains a top priority for the organization.

This issue extends beyond Badosa’s experience. Australian player Destanee Aiava announced last week her intention to leave professional tennis this year, citing a culture she described as “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” while pointing to the online negativity she has endured.

Multiple female players have shared similar experiences, including Svitolina, who revealed receiving death threats after her Canadian Open loss last season. She attributed this “shameful” behavior to upset gamblers.

Research conducted jointly by the WTA and International Tennis Federation last year found that frustrated bettors were responsible for 40% of detected player abuse cases.

World No. 6 Amanda Anisimova expanded on the problem’s scope, explaining it goes beyond gambling-related harassment.

“I’d say it’s not just betting, it’s overall cyber bullying all the time,” Anisimova said. “Commenting on everything, like my body all the time, every single day. It’s difficult.”

“I don’t think that people realise the extent of it, how much of an effect it can have on someone,” she added.