Paula Badosa was forced to retire with a left thigh injury in the middle of the third set of her second-round match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix tournament. Badosa has a long history of withdrawals and mid-match retirements. This is her 3rd retirement of the year and 11th in her tour-level career.
Paula Badosa’s Injury Woes Continue
The Spaniard has struggled with a back injury for more than a year. Last year, she got injured right before the Australian Open, followed by Roland Garros. This year, she got injured right before the Madrid Open. She seemed to have overcome the back injury, but her left thigh was strapped towards the end of the second set, which wasn’t at the start of the match. The commentator also said that Badosa told Sabalenka that her back is okay, but the thigh isn’t.
Badosa played great and was the better player throughout the match. Her serving, returning, and rallying were all fierce, but it seemed like her body refused to stay healthy. Her game is very physical with little variation, and she is a big woman. It’s a dangerous combination, and the risk of getting injured is always high. Hopefully, this injury isn’t too serious, and she will recover quickly.
Aryna Sabalenka made a lovely gesture at the net
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa have one of the more compelling match-ups currently on tour. Both players had some momentous peaks in this match, but their genuine and endearing friendship transcends their rivalry. It’s no surprise that they are tour besties, but a lovely touch by Sabalenka at the end gave Badosa a literal shoulder to cry on.
Sabalenka in her post-match interview said: “I’m about to cry to be honest. I feel so bad for her. I love this girl… I don’t have any emotions right now. I’m not happy. I’m not sad.”
The Australian Open champion has endured a tough time in the last month and a half. So her interview and exchange with Badosa at the net showed what an authentic person and a great soul she is.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
