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Wildcard Paula Badosa withdraws from Indian Wells amid “a very difficult time” with injury

Nadia Podoroska will replace the Spaniard in the draw, as the 2021 BNP Paribas Open champion continues to struggle with fitness after suffering a low back stress fracture last year.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Mar 07, 2024

Badosa IW WD

Paula Badosa’s injury woes continue after the former world No. 2 was forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old made her biggest career breakthrough in Indian Wells in 2021, defeating former champ Victoria Azarenka in the final to win her first WTA 1000 title. But after rising as high as No. 2 in the WTA Rankings, Badosa has struggled with myriad injuries—including calf, adductor and low back—before a stress fracture in her L4 vertebra (low back) sidelined her for the second half of the 2023 season.

Having returned to Indian Wells with a wild card, Badosa will be replaced by Argentine lucky loser Nadia Podoroska in the draw. Podoroska will face American Ashlyn Krueger in the first round on Wednesday.

“So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament,” Badosa shared in an Instagram Story, along with a photo of her 2021 victory. “I tried everything to be able to play but (it) wasn’t enough. I’m having a very difficult time with my injury but I’m fighting every day to come (back) as soon as possible.”

WATCH: Paula Badosa (ESP) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) defeat Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz (POL) in the 2024 Tie Break Tens event at Indian Wells

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Badosa has been struggling to get her 2024 season off the ground, with Indian Wells marking the fourth tournament out of six that she has either lost a match via a walkover or withdrew from the tournament after the draw was made. She owns a 4-5 win-loss record on the year, with three of her victories coming on her way to the Australian Open third round.

On the evening of the BNP Paribas Open, Badosa partnered with Stefanos Tsitsipas during the Eisenhower Cup, a Tie Break Tens mixed doubles event held on Tuesday evening at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The couple made it to the final before bowing out to newcomers Ben Shelton and Emma Navarro, 10-8.

Badosa also shared a message for her loyal fans, as well as a shoutout to the tournament for offering her a wildcard.

“I wanna thank the fans that are sticking with me, (especially) this past year. I’m sorry I haven’t given what you are expecting from me and I’m just giving you sad news lately. (Trust me it’s the last thing I want also)...

“Hopefully soon the tears will be tears of joy again.”