Paula Badosa Stuns Roland Garros With Triumphant Comeback – What Her Win Means for the 2025 French Open Draw

Paula Badosa is back in the headlines—and on the clay of Roland Garros—after a year defined by uncertainty, rehab and raw determination. Road to recovery The former world No. 2 spent most of 2024 nursing a recurring stress fracture in her lower back. In May she told fans she “feared the racket would feel foreign” when she finally returned, but an intensive core-strength program and reduced tournament schedule allowed the Spaniard to step on court pain-free for only the third time this season. Statement win over Osaka Badosa’s first-round clash against four-time major champion Naomi Osaka instantly trended worldwide. Deploying heavy topspin forehands and improved first-serve speed, she edged the Japanese star 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, securing her first main-draw victory at a Slam since Wimbledon 2024. Why her comeback matters • Rankings boost: Badosa entered Paris at No. 74 but is projected to re-enter the top 50 if she reaches the third round. • Olympic dream: A deep French Open run almost guarantees a spot on Spain’s Olympic roster. • Mental turnaround: She admitted “doubting herself less” after practicing full throttle for the first time in 18 months. Strategy shifts Badosa and new coach Àlex Corretja shortened her service motion and added more forehand slice to keep rallies shorter, limiting back strain. Early numbers show she is averaging 3.2 strokes per rally this fortnight versus 4.8 last year. What’s next A second-round showdown with Romanian counter-puncher Elena-Gabriela Ruse will test whether Badosa’s back can handle consecutive best-of-three matches on punishing clay. Win or lose, the 27-year-old has already turned the 2025 French Open into a career-saving milestone—proving that perseverance, not just power, defines champions.