Paula Badosa, the former world number two, publicly responded to criticism following her retirement from a second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday, defending her commitment to the sport despite a history of injury-related withdrawals. The Spaniard was leading Elina Svitolina 4-1 in the first set before calling for treatment and ultimately ending the match, prompting a social media user to accuse her of being “disrespectful to the game.”
Badosa addressed the criticism directly on social media, stating, “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 provide everything even when it’s so difficult.” She emphasized the internal struggle and dedication required to continue competing while managing a long-term health issue.
This is not the first time Badosa’s commitment has been questioned. The 28-year-traditional retired from four matches in 2023 and has now retired from a Tour-level match 37 times in her career, according to reports. Her withdrawal in Dubai follows a recent hip discomfort that forced her to pull out of the Qatar Open last week. She has won only two of seven matches played this season and is currently ranked 70th in the world.
Badosa has previously spoken about contemplating retirement due to a chronic back problem, but she reiterated her determination to continue playing. “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,” she wrote. She described facing “endless nightmares” in her search for lasting solutions to her physical challenges, but maintained that being able to compete makes the effort worthwhile.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures faced by tennis players and the scrutiny they receive on social media. Badosa expressed frustration with the negativity she encountered online, stating, “For me the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this.”
The Dubai Tennis Championships have been significantly impacted by player withdrawals this year. Elena Rybakina, the world number three, retired from her third-round match against Antonia Ruzic due to a gastrointestinal illness, becoming the 14th player to withdraw or retire from the event. Elina Svitolina, who benefited from Badosa’s retirement, advanced to the quarter-finals, where she will face Ruzic.
