Paula Badosa heads to the Mutua Madrid Open as a wildcard after a recent loss in Stuttgart, expressing mixed feelings about her 2026 season. The Spanish player has secured only nine wins this year but remains optimistic about her injury-free streak. She anticipates a boost from the home crowd at the Caja Mágica.
Badosa suffered a defeat in the round of 32 at Stuttgart against Eva Lys, winning the first set 6-2 before losing the next two sets 7-5 and 6-4. This result reflects her season's trend, marked by emotional challenges despite improving play. 'Emotionally, these have been tough matches. The level is getting better and better, but the matches aren’t going my way,' Badosa said. She highlighted her progress in maintaining consistent play without injuries, a shift from her 2025 struggles with a torn labrum and a stress fracture in her spine. 'Having consistent playing time is very positive because it’s something I hadn’t felt before,' she added, noting her focus on positives like adding '1 percent' toward her best form daily and improving mental management in tense moments. Badosa enters the Madrid Open, running from April 20 to May 3, awaiting the winner of Lois Boisson versus Peyton Stearns in the second round. The tournament holds special meaning for her. 'This tournament means a lot to me... Having the support of the home crowd gives you an extra boost,' she said. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and three-time Madrid champion, provided encouragement during Badosa's practice at the Caja Mágica. 'Come on, move your legs, girl! Accelerate more, vamos, vamos!' Sabalenka called out, laughing. The Belarusian, who boasts a 23-1 record and three titles in 2026, faces Julia Grabher in the round of 128 on Monday.