Paula Badosa Reveals Mental Struggles Hampering Her Performance

Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa has experienced a decline in her performance in 2026, with disappointing results in the early stages of tournaments. Currently outside the WTA top 100, after crashing out in the second round of the Miami Open, Badosa has had a 7-8 record in 2026, with her best performance reaching the semi-finals at a WTA 125 event in Austin. The athlete, who currently holds the 112th position in the world, has explained that she is struggling to find a prolonged winning streak in 2026.

In an interview with El Larguero, Badosa suggested that her current issues are more mental than physical, despite her persistent injury problems. The player commented: “I have a lot of respect for my rivals, but I think I am fighting more with myself, for internal things.”

Badosa has expressed that she is facing an internal battle, with a 'negative voice' winning more often than she would like, even during competition. The tennis player is working daily with specialists and her team to overcome these mental challenges, recognizing that much depends on her. These psychological difficulties are affecting her ability to perform at the highest level, a crucial aspect for competing on the WTA circuit.

Badosa, who was ranked as high as world number two and reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open, seeks to overcome these obstacles to regain her best form.

Despite her difficulties on the WTA circuit, Paula Badosa shows determination and continues to seek to regain her best level. After her elimination at the Miami Open, the Spanish tennis player is scheduled to participate in the Charleston Open, where she could have a better opportunity to obtain victories. The tennis player is focused on overcoming the mental problems that have affected her game, with the hope of returning to her best form and competing at the highest level.

The Charleston tournament presents a weakened draw, with several important players withdrawn, including Amanda Anisimova and Emma Navarro. Badosa will face American Kayla Day, currently ranked 156th in the world, in her first match in Charleston. The Spanish tennis player sees this tournament as an opportunity to change her situation on the WTA circuit and obtain better results. The key for Badosa will be to focus on her game and overcome the mental challenges that have recently affected her.