MADRID — The Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid gathered a host of global sports stars, second only to the Olympics in prestige. Novak Djokovic presented the World Sportsman of the Year award to Mondo Duplantis at the Monday gala.
Tennis figures Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Paula Badosa, and her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas also attended. The couple, dressed in white, drew attention and quickly became a social media sensation. It was their first public event together, and they expressed their excitement.
On Tuesday, Paula Badosa, currently ranked No. 9 in the world and Spain`s top female tennis player, spoke to the media at the Mutua Madrid Open. She transitioned from the glamour of the red carpet to the demanding physical challenges of clay court tennis.
Reporters consistently inquired about Badosa`s back, an injury that has troubled her for nearly two years.
“My back is improving gradually,” Badosa told wtatennis.com. “This injury has been particularly challenging because it affected the nerves, causing persistent pain.”
“My daily life was severely impacted; I could barely move from the couch.”
No Spanish woman has reached the Madrid Open semifinals since Badosa in 2021, but her recent record here is 3-3.
Three years prior, Badosa reached her peak ranking of No. 2. However, a back injury in 2023 sidelined her for five months. In 2024, her performance improved. She won the Mubadala Citi D.C. Open, reached the Cincinnati semifinals, the US Open quarterfinals, and the Beijing semifinals.
She neared the Top 10 and reached the Australian Open semifinals this year, re-entering the elite group. Since then, it has been difficult. Badosa withdrew from her second match in Merida, missed Indian Wells, and conceded a walkover in Miami due to her back.
Just weeks ago, Badosa reported intense pain even at rest.
“Fortunately, the injections I received have been effective,” Badosa stated. “I am slowly recovering.”
As the No. 9 seed, she is scheduled to play her first match on Friday, hoping to be physically ready for the six matches needed to win the tournament. Following a bye, her second-round opponent will be either Veronika or Polina Kudermetova.
When asked about her fitness level, she responded,
“I`m unsure of the exact percentage. Day by day, I feel a little better. I hope to reach 100 percent soon, though not immediately.”
