In a disappointing turn of events for Spanish tennis fans, Paula Badosa has withdrawn from the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome due to a chronic back injury. The announcement came just minutes before her scheduled debut against Naomi Osaka on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Badosa, currently ranked number 10 in the WTA rankings, had hoped to compete but ultimately decided she was not physically fit to take the court.
"Paula Badosa and Petra Kvitova have withdrawn due to injury. Badosa will be replaced by the lucky loser Viktorija Golubic, while Ons Jabeur advances by walkover," the tournament organizers confirmed. This marks the second consecutive WTA 1000 event that Badosa has missed, having also withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open just two weeks prior due to the same back issues.
For Badosa, this season has been challenging. After reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open earlier this year, she has struggled with her health, which has hindered her performance on the clay courts. The injury has not only affected her immediate tournament participation but also raises concerns about her readiness for the upcoming Roland Garros, set to begin on May 25, 2025.
The 25-year-old Catalan was looking forward to facing Osaka, a former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, in what would have been their first encounter. Instead, she will have to watch from the sidelines as Osaka, who recently secured six consecutive victories on clay, prepares to face Golubic.
Badosa's absence from Rome is particularly significant as she had a strong performance in last year's tournament, reaching the round of 16 before being eliminated by Coco Gauff in a hard-fought match. This year, her withdrawal means she will miss out on valuable ranking points, having already lost 120 points for not defending her previous round of 16 appearance.
As the tournament progresses, the question remains whether Badosa will be able to recover in time for Roland Garros or if she will choose to rest and focus on a full recovery. Her best result at Roland Garros came in 2021 when she reached the quarter-finals, a feat she hopes to replicate in the future.
In the meantime, Carlos Alcaraz, another prominent Spanish player, is set to debut in the Rome Masters, facing Dusan Lajovic. Alcaraz holds a perfect 4-0 record against Lajovic, having won all previous encounters. His match is anticipated to take place on either Friday or Saturday, adding excitement to the tournament as Badosa's absence leaves a gap in the women's draw.
As fans and analysts look ahead, the focus will be on Badosa's recovery and whether she can regain her form in time for the French Open. With only a few weeks left until the Grand Slam event, her preparation will be crucial. Should she opt for the Strasbourg tournament from May 18 to May 24, it could serve as an important opportunity for her to regain confidence and match fitness before heading to Paris.
In the broader context of the WTA rankings, Aryna Sabalenka continues to lead the pack with 1118 points. Iga Swiatek follows in second place with 6773 points, while Coco Gauff has climbed to third. Badosa's current ranking at number 10 is precarious, especially with the potential for other players to overtake her if she remains inactive.
With the clay court season heating up, Badosa's situation highlights the physical toll professional tennis can take on athletes. As she navigates this challenging period, fans and supporters are hopeful for her swift recovery and return to the sport she loves.
