NEW YORK, USA – Spanish tennis star and former world No. 2, Paula Badosa, has officially announced her withdrawal from the 2025 US Open. The decision, which comes as a significant blow to the tournament and her fans, is due to a persistent and debilitating back injury that has plagued her throughout the season.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed the news, stating that Switzerland's Jil Teichmann will now move into the main draw to replace the popular Spaniard. The withdrawal also removes Badosa from the mixed doubles event, where she was expected to be a prominent entry.
In a heartfelt statement released on her social media channels, Badosa expressed her deep disappointment and the emotional toll of the decision.
"It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from this year's U.S. Open," Badosa wrote. "This decision was incredibly difficult to make. After the amazing run I had in New York last year and the deep connection I feel with the city and its fans, stepping away from this tournament is very emotional for me."
She added, "Right now I need to focus on my health and recovery so I can return stronger and ready to compete again. To the fans in New York, I will miss you deeply and I look forward to being back as soon as I can."
The 27-year-old has not competed since a first-round exit at Wimbledon in late June. Following that tournament, she revealed she had suffered a tear in her psoas, the muscle connecting the lower back to the upper leg. This is the latest in a series of setbacks related to a chronic back issue, including a stress fracture in 2023, which has severely hampered her ability to compete at the highest level consistently.
The withdrawal is particularly poignant given her strong performance at Flushing Meadows in 2024, where she reached the quarterfinals. Her aggressive baseline game and fighting spirit have made her a fan favorite in New York, the city of her birth.
Badosa's career has been a story of resilience. After bravely opening up about her early-career struggles with depression, she had a phenomenal rise, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in April 2022. However, the recurring physical ailments have since presented a formidable challenge, leading to several painful withdrawals and retirements from tournaments over the past two seasons.
Her absence will be felt in the women's singles draw, which is set to begin on August 24th. Tennis analysts and fans alike have expressed their support online, wishing her a full and speedy recovery from an injury that has proven to be one of the toughest opponents of her career.
