Paula Badosa Slams ‘Disrespectful’ Online Comments After Dubai Injury Retirement

Badosa speaks out on online abuse after Dubai tennis exit

Paula Badosa responds to online criticism after retiring from Dubai Tennis Championships with thigh injury, saying she's faced “endless nightmares” due to chronic issues.

“I'd say it's not just betting, it's overall cyber bullying all the time...”

Paula Badosa is having a tough time dealing with injuries and online criticism. She recently retired from her Dubai Tennis Championships match against Elina Svitolina due to a right thigh issue and took to social media to slam a “disrespectful” comment about her decision.

Badosa, 28, had worked her way back into the top 10 after a string of injuries, including a chronic back problem, and was contemplating early retirement in 2024. She's determined to keep going, saying “If there's even a 1% chance to keep going, I'll take it.”

Paula Badosa's match against Elina Svitolina took a turn for the worse after she led 4-1, losing the next five games and the first set. The 28-year-old called for treatment and eventually retired due to a right thigh injury. She responded to criticism on social media, saying she was disrespected by online comments and vowed to continue playing despite chronic injuries.

Badosa's statement highlighted the challenges of playing with injuries, saying, “You have no idea what it's like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going.” She emphasized her passion for tennis and determination to keep playing, even with a 1% chance to continue. The WTA prioritizes protecting players from online abuse, and Badosa's comments sparked a wider debate on social media criticism.

“You have no ‌idea what it's like to live with a chronic injury ⁠and still choose to keep going,” Badosa ‌wrote.

“To wake up everyday not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and ​fighting for something you love and give everything even when it's so difficult.”

Badosa opened up about her struggles, saying she's faced "endless nightmares" searching for lasting solutions to her chronic injuries. Despite the challenges, she finds it worth it to step onto the court and play tennis. Her determination is clear, and she's vowed to keep going

She said: 

So I'll keep trying.

Because it's all about trying and that won't change. I'll always try one ⁠more time. I'm doing this for my passion ... If there's even a 1% chance to keep going, I'll take it. That's just how I see and understand life.

Badosa's comments sparked a wider debate on social media criticism, with her saying, “For me the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this” - highlighting the hurtful impact of online comments on athletes.

“Then we complain if we see players suffering and having mental health issues, but I'm not surprised with the amount of hate and 'experts' we have here.”

The WTA prioritizes protecting players from online abuse, saying vile threats and comments are a high-priority concern. This comes after players like Paula Badosa and Destinee Aiava spoke out on the issue.

Destinee Aiava, an Australian tennis player, announced she'd quit the sport, citing a “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” tennis culture. She highlighted the toll of online negativity, sparking concerns about the sport's environment.

Several top players, including Elina Svitolina, have spoken out about receiving online abuse. Svitolina blamed disgruntled bettors for the “shameful” behavior, saying she received death threats after a Canadian Open defeat.

You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going. To wake up everyday not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and fighting for something you love and give everything even when it’s so difficult. Trust me I’m the…

— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) February 18, 2026

A survey by the WTA and International Tennis Federation found angry gamblers were behind 40% of detected online abuse targeting players. This highlights the darker side of sports betting and its impact on athletes.

“I'd say it's not just betting, it's overall cyber bullying all the time,” world number six Amanda Anisimova said.

“Commenting on everything, like my body all the time, every single day. ⁠It's difficult.

“I don't think that people ⁠realise the extent of it, how ‌much of an effect it can have on someone.”