For Paula Badosa, simply feeling like a tennis player is a victory in itself. Not long ago, the Spaniard’s relationship with the sport felt fragile, interrupted by injuries, uncertainty, and forced pauses that tested both her body and her spirit. Now, as she prepares for her return at the WTA 500 in Adelaide, there is a quiet confidence surrounding the former world number 2 - one built not on hype, but on health, patience, and perspective.

For months, Badosa’s own body had been her toughest opponent. Back issues derailed her momentum and eventually forced her to make a difficult call in September 2025: shut down her season early, but it was a necessary one. Stepping away gave her the time she needed to heal properly, reset mentally, and rediscover the continuity she had been missing. In a recent interview with AE World, Badosa opened up about her comeback and the mindset guiding her into 2026. The goals, she says, are clear - but grounded.

“My main goal is consistency — staying healthy, competing at the highest level, and enjoying the process. Of course, I want to fight for big tournaments too; that’s always a goal,” said Paula Badosa. 

Reaching the semifinals of the 2025 AO was a significant milestone in her career this season, a reminder of what she’s capable of when her body and mind are aligned. Speaking more about that experience and her preparations for 2026, Badosa further added, “The Australian Open 2025 was very special for me. After a hard preseason, it confirmed that all the work I had done, both physically and mentally, was paying off. It gave me the confidence boost I needed at that time. Going into 2026, I feel stronger and more secure. I’ve had the best preseason I’ve ever had. It’s been a longer one, but I needed those extra weeks to get my body reconditioned after the injuries I went through in 2025.”

Currently ranked 25th in the world, Paula Badosa has played 30 matches this season and won 18 of them. She describes the injury (back) as one of the toughest moments of her career. But what kept her motivated was her love for the sport and her desire to come back stronger.

She is now working hard to enter the 2026 season in the best condition. Badosa is excited; she’s confident and also ready to give her 100% again. But can we finally see her ending her long wait and winning a major title in 2026? 

Tennis legend drops a bold prediction on Paula Badosa’s Grand Slam hopes

Spain has a world number one again - and his name is Carlos Alcaraz. On the men’s side, the conveyor belt of champions keeps rolling, powered by fearless youth and relentless ambition. But flip the script to the women’s tour, and the picture looks very different. There, Paula Badosa (25), ranked outside the Top 20, stands as Spain’s leading light. The contrast is striking, and it begs a bigger question: why does such a gap exist between Spanish men’s and women’s tennis right now?

For the former world number 2, Alex Corretja, however, the rankings don’t tell the full story. Because when he looks at Badosa, he doesn’t see a player defined by numbers or setbacks - he sees destiny. 

In a recent interview with Eurosport, the Spanish legend dropped a bold prediction on Paula Badosa. He started the conversation saying, “Spanish women's tennis needs Badosa; she is its emblematic figure, the highest-level player with a strong personality. I hope she will be in full physical shape and finds the right balance to play at her best, both technically and mentally.” Then came the bold part. The part that turned heads.

In a country spoiled by champions - from Nadal to Alcaraz - Corretja’s words carry weight. He’s seen what it takes. And in Badosa, he sees not just talent, but belief.

“I think Paula is a player destined for a Major title, to reach the peak of her dreams, and she will only achieve this if she avoids injuries and significant fluctuations in her form. I believe she has always dreamed, mentally, of accomplishing something unimaginable for most, and I think she is capable of it,” said Corretja.

For Spain’s women, the path back to Grand Slam glory may not be straightforward. But if Paula Badosa can finally string together health, confidence, and time on court, the gap between Spanish men’s and women’s tennis might not feel so wide after all. Sometimes, destiny just needs the body to cooperate.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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