Paula Badosa has released a heartbreaking statement after the Spanish star tumbled even further down the rankings. The WTA Tour star is now outside of the top 100, having reached the semi-final of the Australian Open just over 12 months ago.

Badosa was knocked out in the second round of the Miami Open, having been brushed aside by Iva Jovic during a crushing 6-2, 6-1 defeat. It’s expected she’ll be as low as 113th in the world by the time the WTA 1000 event concludes later this week.

It’s the latest blow for Badosa, who has endured a difficult time due to health issues and injuries. She has taken to social media to lament her current performances, with an emotional post reading: “Fear, that damn fear. It’s so awful.

“Sometimes I feel like I can’t control the voices inside me. The emotions are overwhelming, and I feel completely consumed. Doubts take hold, and I feel lost in a sea of emotions.

“There’s one thing I’m clear about… I’ll always try with all my strength. I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t be remembered for winning the most titles, but I want to be remembered for this. For these moments. For showing that Paula was able to come through.”

She continued: “Because once again, I’m going to prove that I can come through. It’ll be really tough, but I promise I’ll keep going until I do.

“And even if things don’t work out right now, and there are a thousand opinions… I’ll keep going. And keep going. Paula isn’t back… but she will be.”

The latest drop in the rankings could prove terminal to her hopes of automatically qualifying for the French Open – something that would’ve been unthinkable after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open semi-finals a little over a year ago. If she isn’t back in the top 100 by April 5, then Badosa will be forced to play qualifiers, risking her place in the main draw of the competition.

With that deadline looming large, the only real opportunity Badosa has of making it back into the top 100 is at the Charleston Open later this month. It runs through into April, but the final is set to be played on April 5, meaning it would count towards her Roland Garros qualification bid.