Paula Badosa’s frustration was clear when she said, “I’m so tired of this. ❤️‍🩹” after retiring mid-match at the Berlin Open. The former world No. 2 has been managing a chronic lower-back issue that has disrupted her entire season. The injury pushed her out of multiple tournaments, including Miami, Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome, and for a moment, it looked like she’d be sidelined for longer than expected.

But the 28-year-old Spaniard, whose last appearance came in Beijing in late September where she retired mid-match against Karolina Muchova, now seems to be shifting toward a more hopeful path as she eyes her return. On her birthday today, tributes poured in, and like many fans, the Australian Open’s social media page joined in by posting a short clip of her battle with Coco Gauff

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