Badosa criticizes online 'disrespect' following her retirement due to injury in Dubai

Badosa criticizes online 'disrespect' following her retirement due to injury in Dubai

Paula Badosa expressed her frustration on Wednesday regarding a "disrespectful" comment made online and pledged to extend her career, which has been marred by injuries, after a right thigh issue compelled the former world number two to withdraw from her match at the already diminished Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Spaniard had successfully returned to the top 10 in the world last year with impressive performances following a series of injuries, including a persistent back issue, which had her considering an early retirement in 2024.Badosa initially led 4-1 against Elina Svitolina in her second round match in Dubai on Tuesday, but subsequently lost the next five games, dropped the first set, and after calling for treatment, ultimately decided to concede the match.

She later took to social media to respond to a comment from an individual who accused her of disrespecting the sport.

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

"To wake up every day 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 mentioned that she endured "endless nightmares" while seeking lasting solutions, but the ability to step onto the tennis court made it all worthwhile.

"So I'll keep trying," she affirmed.

"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.

WIDER DEBATE

Badosa's remarks have sparked a broader discussion regarding the challenges players face due to hurtful comments on social media.

"For me, the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this," Badosa stated.

"Then we wonder why players are suffering and experiencing mental health issues, but I am not surprised given the level of hate and 'experts' we have here."

The WTA informed Reuters that safeguarding players and the broader tennis community from abhorrent online threats and abuse continues to be a top priority for the governing body of women's tennis.

Australia's Destanee Aiava mentioned last week that she plans to leave the sport this year, characterizing tennis culture as "racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and hostile" while emphasizing the online negativity she has encountered.

Numerous female players have addressed similar concerns, with Svitolina revealing that she received death threats after her defeat at the Canadian Open last season, attributing the "shameful" behavior to disgruntled bettors.

A survey conducted by the WTA and the International Tennis Federation last year indicated that angry gamblers accounted for 40% of the reported abuse directed at players.

"I would argue that it's not solely about betting; it's a constant issue of cyberbullying," stated world number six Amanda Anisimova.

"People comment on everything, including my body, every single day. It's challenging.

"I don't believe people understand the extent of it and the significant impact it can have on an individual."