Paula Badosa's Uncertain Return: Tennis Star Battles Persistent Back Injury

Paula Badosa, a former world number two tennis player, has withdrawn from the Charleston Open due to a chronic lower back injury. Persisting injuries have hampered her career, although she reached the Australian Open semi-finals this January. Her return to the court remains uncertain as she focuses on recovery.

Paula Badosa, once ranked number two in the world in women's tennis, has pulled out of the upcoming Charleston Open, casting doubts over her readiness for the claycourt season due to a chronic lower back injury. The Spanish player, now outside the world's top 50, has been beleaguered by a series of injuries that momentarily drove her to consider retirement. Despite these challenges, she notably reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Her injury woes continued as she retired from her Merida quarter-final against Daria Saville and missed the Indian Wells tournament. She aggravated her back problem again, leading to her withdrawal from the Miami Open after a promising third-round win over Clara Tauson, as confirmed by an Instagram post. "It's very sad and tough to deal with the pain, stopping and coming back every single time," Badosa stated.

The Charleston Open is scheduled from March 31 to April 6, ahead of several prominent claycourt events culminating in the French Open in late May. Badosa's supporters hope her recovery will allow her a timely return to competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)