Paula Badosa had to end her 2024 season early after she was forced to retire and then withdraw from another couple of tournaments.
Earlier this year, it was unclear whether the 26-year-old Spanish player would be able to return to her best game again. Last year, she played only 27 matches, winning 18 of those, which certainly isn't a mark that the former World No. 2 would be aiming for.
This year didn't start that well for her either. She lost in the first round in Adelaide, in the third round at the Australian Open, and already at her next event in Hua Hin, Badosa was forced to retire from her match against Diana Shnaider.
After losing in the second round of the Qatar Open after that, another injury forced Badosa to retire in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. She then lost in the second round in Miami, in the first round in Charleston, the second round in Stuttgart, and the first round in Madrid.
But everything completely turned around during the last hard-court part of the season. Instead of competing at the Olympics, Badosa chose to play at the Citi Open in Washington, and it proved to be a great decision, as she won the tournament in Washington.
She then went on to reach the Cincinnati Open semi-final, the US Open quarter-final, the China Open semi-final, and the Ningbo Open semi-final, but that was where her run unfortunately ended because of health issues again.
In her semi-final match against Daria Kasatkina, Badosa had her blood pressure checked, and ultimately, she retired from the match after losing the first set 4-6.
After that, she was supposed to compete at the Japan Open in Tokyo, where she already appeared in the draw. Unfortunately, the Spaniard announced that she wouldn't be able to play in Tokyo, therefore ending her 2024 season early.
"Because of health issues I wasn't able to play yesterday and won't be able to play in Tokyo, unfortunately. My 2024 season has ended. Has been a very long season where l overcame situations 1 thought they were impossible."
However, Badosa then confused some of her fans by stating that she aims to prepare for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. The tournament will run from November 13th to 20th at the Martin Carpena Arena.
"I'm very proud of myself. I'm back where I wanted to be and where I was aiming since my comeback. (one of the best players in the world again) I'm already looking forward to recover well and prepare to represent my country in Malaga for BJKC. Thank you for the support always. See you soon."
That probably means that what Badosa meant by ending her 2024 season was related only to tournaments for her as an individual, probably seeing the team competition, in which she will represent her country, as a separate part of the season.
It remains to be seen whether Badosa will make it to the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, but her absence from the home team would certainly be a huge blow to their title chances. In the first round of the tournament, Spain will play against Poland, which will play in Malaga without Iga Swiatek.