Paula Badosa has revealed how she will support those impacted by the devastating floods seen in Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Over 200 people have been confirmed dead from the recent unprecedented rainfall that Spain experienced. Most of the deceased are from Valencia, which was hit hardest by the extreme weather event.
Badosa, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz previously responded to the tragic scenes in the country, with Badosa encouraging all those who can afford it to donate to support the victims.
Despite ending her WTA season early, Badosa committed weeks ago to competing at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, an ITF event held on home soil in Malaga. This commitment significantly boosted Team Spain's chances of doing well.
Badosa cited health issues as the reason for abruptly ending her WTA season early. However, some felt it was due to a huge controversy that saw the former world No. 2 and her coach be accused of racism.
Pol Toledo, Badosa's coach, shared a picture on Instagram of the 26-year-old appearing to squint her eyes using chopsticks during the Asian swing on the WTA Tour. Such gestures are often done to insult people from that continent.
Although Badosa initially apologized, she subsequently deleted the apology and lashed out at those criticizing her, accusing them of being bullies. The Spaniard thinks the controversy should have ended when she apologized.
After that controversy, Badosa undoubtedly will be happy to compete in front of a supportive home crowd in Malaga. Team Spain will face Poland in the first round of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on November 13th.
Team Poland's chances were greatly enhanced by Iga Swiatek's reversal of her decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Badosa will face Swiatek, meaning there is extra pressure on the shoulders of this year's Citi Open champion.
Regardless of how far Team Spain progresses at the team event, Badosa is ensuring the victims of the devastating floods in the country are supported by donating her prize money from the first round to those impacted.
"I'm really looking forward to representing my country but without forgetting what's really important at the moment. I'm going to donate 50% of my prize money from this qualifying round to the people affected by DANA in Valencia. I wish all those people a lot of encouragement. See you on Wednesday."
Although many were upset with Badosa and her coach during the Asian swing, she deserves nothing but praise for supporting those who have been struggling so severely since the floods that struck Spain.
The US Open quarterfinalist also draws attention to the issue by speaking publicly about it. That will undoubtedly lead to more people in Spain and other countries donating to support those who need it.
Spain vs Poland on Wednesday is a tie that is not to be missed. Swiatek, playing her second tournament with new coach Wim Fissette after the WTA Finals, will probably need to survive some massive hitting from Badosa in front of her home fans.