Paula Badosa’s injury woes continue after the former world No. 2 was forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old made her biggest career breakthrough in Indian Wells in 2021, defeating former champ Victoria Azarenka in the final to win her first WTA 1000 title. But after rising as high as No. 2 in the WTA Rankings, Badosa has struggled with myriad injuries—including calf, adductor and low back—before a stress fracture in her L4 vertebra (low back) sidelined her for the second half of the 2023 season.
Having returned to Indian Wells with a wild card, Badosa will be replaced by Argentine lucky loser Nadia Podoroska in the draw. Podoroska will face American Ashlyn Krueger in the first round on Wednesday.
“So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament,” Badosa shared in an Instagram Story, along with a photo of her 2021 victory. “I tried everything to be able to play but (it) wasn’t enough. I’m having a very difficult time with my injury but I’m fighting every day to come (back) as soon as possible.”