Badosa aims for back injury return by Madrid

Paula Badosa has given herself less than a month to be fit for the Madrid Masters after withdrawing from Miami with a recurring back problem.

The Spaniard who once touched second in the world retired before her fourth-round match in Florida more than a week ago.

She is hoping to be back on court when Madrid begins in three weeks.

The 27-year-old described her injury as “small hernia that has moved from the vertebra, but I’m being treated for the best treatments.

“My goal is to be back in Madrid.”

This year’s Australian Open semi-finalist added: “I’m doing well. I’m trying to take things positively, put things in perspective, and I’m doing fine. 

“Physically? Well, I’ve had every test possible.
“This time I was more scared than I should have been because it was on the opposite side. 

“I’ve always had discomfort on the right side, and now it’s on the left. I was worried it was another stress fracture, but fortunately it isn’t.”

Main photo:- Paula Badosa in Miami action before having to retire – by ISF Ltd