Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa has ended her 2026 season prematurely and offered a candid assessment of a challenging year, stating that "this season has tested my patience."
The former world No. 2 made the comments after announcing she would not compete in the remaining tournaments on the WTA calendar. Badosa, who has battled recurring back injuries throughout her career, did not specify whether the decision was injury-related or a strategic choice to prepare for 2027.
Badosa's 2026 campaign included a run to the Madrid Open final in April, but she withdrew from several events during the summer hard-court swing, including the US Open. Her ranking has slipped outside the top 20 as a result of limited play in the second half of the year.
Despite the difficulties, the 28-year-old indicated she remains committed to returning to top form. "I know what I'm capable of when healthy," Badosa said, according to reports. "This break will allow me to reset physically and mentally."
The Spaniard's management team said a detailed schedule for the 2027 season, including her preparation for the Australian Open, will be announced in the coming weeks.
