Paula Badosa will not participate in the 2025 Indian Wells Open after being forced to withdraw due to injury.
The Spanish player has struggled to regain her best form for months, largely because of a persistent back issue that has plagued her for a long time, preventing her from competing at full capacity.
At one point, the former World No. 2 even considered retirement due to the ongoing pain, but she pushed through and made a remarkable comeback to the Top 10, proving she belongs among the best.
However, in recent weeks, Badosa’s lower back problems resurfaced. She had to retire from her Merida Open quarter-final match against Daria Saville, despite having the lead.
Her next scheduled event was the Indian Wells Open, a tournament she won in 2021. She had even signed up for the Eisenhower Cup, a mixed doubles exhibition, where she was set to play alongside her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas.
However, she withdrew shortly before the event, and Tsitsipas followed suit. The pair was replaced by Daniil Medvedev and Amanda Anisimova.
Fans were hopeful that Badosa would recover in time for Indian Wells, but unfortunately, she couldn’t make it. A day before her second-round match against Caroline Dolehide, she announced her withdrawal.
Tournament organizers confirmed that the reason was a lower back injury, and Badosa expressed her disappointment, saying she was saddened to miss an event she had previously won.
“I’m very sorry to withdraw from one of my favorite tournaments. I tried until the last moment to play. I am really sad and hopefully will be back next year!”
While Badosa’s fans will be disappointed by the news of her withdrawal, one player will have a reason to celebrate.
Eva Lys will step in as a lucky loser, and although she wouldn’t wish for a colleague’s injury, she will be glad for the unexpected opportunity to enter the main draw.
Lys had lost in the final round of qualifying to fellow German Jule Niemeier. However, with the 11th seed withdrawing, she will move directly into the second round, benefiting from a first-round bye, where she will face Caroline Dolehide.
As for Badosa, her priority now will be to focus on recovery. Given how late she pulled out of the tournament, it’s possible that she is close to regaining full fitness.
If her recovery progresses well, the Miami Open could be a realistic target for her return. The WTA 1000 event at Hard Rock Stadium is set to take place from March 18 to March 30.
Should she be unable to compete in Miami, her next likely goal would be her home tournament, the Madrid Open. The prestigious WTA 1000 event in the Spanish capital is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2025.
