Dubai – Paula Badosa, the 27-year-ancient Spanish tennis star, is pushing back against what she calls “disrespectful” questioning of her frequent injury withdrawals, a conversation that’s become increasingly fraught within the sport. The exchange, which unfolded on social media following her retirement from a match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 18, 2026, highlights a growing tension between athletes battling chronic conditions and a public often quick to judge.
Badosa, a former world No. 2, was forced to retire from her Round of 32 match against Elina Svitolina after experiencing pain in her right thigh. While thankfully not a flare-up of her long-standing back injury, the withdrawal sparked criticism from at least one fan, prompting a pointed response from the player. The incident comes as the WTA’s Middle East Swing has been significantly impacted by player health concerns, with numerous athletes forced to withdraw from tournaments.
Battling Chronic Pain and Public Perception
“You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going,” Badosa replied to the fan on social media, as reported by Sports Illustrated. She described the daily struggle of waking up unsure of how her body will respond, the constant search for solutions, and the dedication required to continue competing despite the pain. “Trust me, I’m the first one suffering with pain and having endless nightmares to try to find solutions every single day,” she added.
Badosa’s frustration is rooted in a history of physical challenges. She withdrew from the 2025 US Open due to a persistent back injury, an issue that has plagued her career. She even contemplated retirement in 2024 due to the relentless cycle of injuries. Despite these setbacks, Badosa maintains a fierce determination to continue playing. “I’ll always try one more time. And if there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it,” she stated.
A Wider Issue of Abuse in Tennis
Badosa’s experience isn’t isolated. She voiced her criticism of social media toxicity, stating, “So for me the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this.” Her comments follow a recent announcement from Destanee Aiava, who retired at age 25 citing a “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” culture within the sport. Aiava specifically mentioned facing abuse from online trolls.
The issue of online abuse directed at tennis players is widespread. British player Katie Boulter publicly shared examples of the abuse she has received, highlighting the scale of the problem. Data from Signify, the International Tennis Federation, and the Women’s Tennis Association reveals a disturbing trend: in 2024, approximately 8,000 abusive, violent, or threatening messages were sent to 458 tennis players through social media, with a significant portion linked to betting activity.
The Impact of Betting-Related Abuse
The connection between betting and online abuse is a growing concern within the tennis community. The influx of abusive messages often coincides with match outcomes, suggesting a link to frustrated bettors targeting players. This adds another layer of complexity to the challenges athletes already face, both physically, and mentally.
Badosa’s Resolve and Future Plans
Despite the negativity, Badosa remains resolute in her commitment to the sport. She reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January 2025, demonstrating her continued ability to compete at a high level. Currently ranked 70th, she is working her way back after reaching a career-high of No. 2 in 2022.
“I’m doing this for my passion and for myself,” Badosa declared. “And if there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it. That’s just how I see and understand life. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to follow me. And I’m so sorry to inform you, I won’t retire, so you’ll keep seeing me for a while. Change channel next time….”
Badosa has not announced her next tournament, but is expected to continue her rehabilitation and training with the goal of returning to competitive play as soon as her body allows. The tennis world will be watching to see how she navigates the challenges ahead, both on and off the court.
The conversation sparked by Badosa’s response underscores the need for greater awareness and action regarding online abuse in sports. The WTA and other governing bodies are exploring measures to protect players, but a comprehensive solution will require a collective effort from athletes, fans, and social media platforms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for assist. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website at https://www.nami.org/.
What do you suppose about the increasing levels of abuse directed at athletes online? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
