After a thrilling yet emotional match, Aryna Sabalenka defeated an injured Paula Badosa with a score of 7-6 (6), 4-6, 3-3. Sadly, Badosa will now remain behind in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as she suffered from an injury in the middle of the match and had to retire early. As soon as the news hit, messages of support from her fans flooded social media.
Paula Badosa, who endured almost a year of agonizing back pain, was forced to retire from the Stuttgart Open due to a leg injury. A tiebreaker saw Sabalenka win the opening set by a razor’s edge. Within the second, Badosa charged back. She needed a medical timeout late in the second set with the lead, so she was taken off the court. Her left hamstring was bandaged when she came back. Although she tried to regain her form, her movement did not have the same fluidity as before. Soon after, she declared that she could not play anymore.
After the tragic end of the game, Paula Badosa took to her X and posted a heartbreak emoji. And soon enough, her fans started showing their immense support for the Spanish sensation. Some wished her a speedy recovery, while others encouraged her to come back stronger and better.
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💔
— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) April 18, 2024
Even after the game, her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, looked concerned for her best friend. Paula Badosa, visibly emotional, started crying in front of the umpire’s chair. And soon after that, Sabalenka looked emotional during their long embrace at the net.
Since rising to the top of the WTA rankings in 2022, Paula Badosa has primarily struggled with physical problems. She suffered a chronic back condition in 2023 that prevented her from competing in three of the four major tournaments. But her fans have always shown their support for her. This match was not an exception either.
Fans react with compassion after Paula Badosa’s injury at the Stuttgart Open
After Paula Badosa’s heartbreaking admission of losing the Stuttgart Open before qualifying for the quarterfinal, fans came forward to show their love for the World No. 2 player. One fan encouraged her to “come back stronger”. The fan, who is from France, showered her with love and support.
You’ll come back stronger ! A lot of Love from France Paula ! 💜🙏🏾
— Tan 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 (@yesiamtan) April 18, 2024
Another fan motivated the Spaniard to be strong. Calling her “Paulita,” the fan expressed a “forever” bond with the player.
Stay strong Paulita forever🫂❤️ @paulabadosa
— Love fam:Barça💙❤️/Messi/Badosa (@culersXmessi) April 18, 2024
This fan expressed the disappointment of seeing Paula Badosa go through the pain on court. Besides sending her favorite player “positive vibes,” the fan also wished her a speedy recovery.
So sorry to see you go through this, wishing you a speedy recovery and sending positive vibes 🫶
— vanives777 (@vanives777) April 18, 2024
One fan appreciated the “amazing level” of matches that people witnessed on court. She expressed her faith in the athlete’s potential to come back on the ground again soon.
Amazing level last night, Paula. Gutting for injury to intervene once again. But when you recover you'll be there again. ❤️💛
— Lyn Knott (@lyn_knott) April 18, 2024
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This fan assured Paula Badosa that she would soon be okay. Calling her a “warrior,” the fan asked her to “take care” until then.
You'll be OK Paula! Take care warrior!❤️🩹
— Maddie🎾 (@Breakpoint98) April 18, 2024
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Knowing that she is not alone, Paula Badosa is all ready to set out on her path to healing for a speedy recovery. The tennis community is hoping to see Badosa back stronger and better!