Paula Badosa is back in the spotlight, and this time, she’s trading the lonely grind of solo recovery for the camaraderie of team competition. After a grueling two-and-a-half-month absence from the WTA Tour due to a persistent back injury and a psoas muscle tear, the Spanish star is making her much-anticipated return at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen. For Badosa, this isn’t just another tournament—it’s a chance to rediscover her rhythm, surrounded by teammates who understand the highs and lows of elite tennis.
The journey to this moment hasn’t been smooth. Badosa’s last competitive appearance came on June 30, 2025, when she suffered a shocking first-round defeat to Britain’s Katie Boulter at Wimbledon. Entering as the No. 9 seed, expectations were high, but the match ended in disappointment. That loss marked the start of a long road to recovery, as Badosa was forced to withdraw from the entire North American hard-court swing, including marquee events like the Canadian Open—where she was the defending champion—and the US Open. A diagnosed psoas tear and recurring back issues left her sidelined, unable to defend key ranking points, and watching her world ranking slip to No. 20.
"It helps to come and play as a team. Coming back from injury, sometimes you feel a little alone, you have ups and downs. Having these people by your side, your people around you, always helps, it motivates me," Badosa told EFE, capturing both the isolation of injury and the relief of returning to a supportive environment. The Billie Jean King Cup Finals provide a unique atmosphere—far from the typical solo grind of the tour. For Badosa, the timing couldn’t be better.
Spain’s squad in Shenzhen is a mix of experience and hunger, with Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Cristina Bucsa, Leyre Romero Gormaz, and Aliona Bolsova joining Badosa under the guidance of team captain Carla Suarez Navarro. The Spanish team, seeded fourth, faces a formidable challenge in their opening tie against Ukraine. The Ukrainian lineup, led by World No. 13 Elina Svitolina and supported by Marta Kostyuk, Yulia Starodubtseva, Liudmila Kichenok, and Nadiia Kichenok, is no pushover. Spain hasn’t claimed the Billie Jean King Cup title since 1998 (when it was still known as the Fed Cup), and their last appearance in a final was back in 2008. Last year, they missed out on the Finals in Malaga, making this campaign all the more significant.
Badosa’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. She started with a bang, making her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open—a career milestone that seemed to signal a new chapter. However, injuries quickly took center stage. She managed just 28 matches this season, compiling a 17-11 win-loss record. Along the way, she reached three quarterfinals, but each promising run was interrupted by physical setbacks. Her withdrawal from the Miami Open quarterfinals and absence from the WTA 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati underscored the severity of her health struggles.
"It’s been a tough couple of months, although of course, I feel a little better every day. It’s never easy coming back from an injury, but I feel great with my teammates. I think in this type of competition, it’s very important to have this good atmosphere, this good team spirit," Badosa shared with Marca, echoing her earlier sentiments. The Spanish ace is transparent about the emotional toll of injury, admitting, "It has been a complicated few months, but every day I feel a little better. It is never easy to come back after an injury, but I feel very good with my teammates. In these types of tournaments, having a good atmosphere is very important, this good team spirit."
Despite the current focus on the Billie Jean King Cup, Badosa’s eyes are already set on the future. With only a few months left in the 2025 season and her body still recovering, she’s looking ahead to 2026 as the year to truly regain her form. "Now I’m starting over, I’m coming back, but I know the season will also be over soon. I’m trying to feel as good as possible, although honestly, my goal is to look towards 2026," she admitted. It’s a pragmatic approach—one that acknowledges both the limitations of her current condition and the potential for a fresh start next season.
Badosa’s resilience is unmistakable. Her willingness to speak candidly about the "loneliness" of injury and the importance of team support has resonated with fans and fellow players alike. The Spanish squad, with its blend of emerging talent and seasoned leadership, offers a welcome change of pace. For Badosa, the team environment is more than just a morale boost; it’s a crucial ingredient in her comeback recipe.
Off the court, Badosa has also faced personal challenges. In August, she made headlines for her breakup with fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, just a year after their previous split. While Badosa has kept her focus on tennis, the added media attention has only heightened the scrutiny around her return. Yet, she remains undeterred, channeling her energy into her game and her teammates.
As Spain prepares to take on Ukraine in the quarterfinals, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. Should they advance, a semifinal showdown with either defending champions Italy or host nation China awaits. The road ahead is daunting, but for Badosa, every match is another step toward reclaiming her place among the sport’s elite. She’s expected to return to regular WTA Tour action later this month in Beijing, but for now, all eyes are on Shenzhen.
Spain’s quest for Billie Jean King Cup glory is underway, and Paula Badosa’s comeback story is at its heart. Whether or not the Spanish team lifts the trophy this year, Badosa’s resilience and determination are already inspiring fans and teammates alike. The action in Shenzhen is just heating up, and with Badosa back in the mix, Spanish tennis has plenty of reasons to dream big once again.
