Team Spain's hopes of succeeding at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals have substantially improved after Paula Badosa's participation was confirmed.
Although Badosa was officially on the team for last year's finals, she could not play in any matches because of a severe injury she returned from earlier this season. But this year will be different.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will take place from November 13th to 20th. Canada is the defending champion. Leylah Fernandez inspired them to make a stunning run to the title that few had predicted.
Spain, the host nation for the finals in Malaga, was in the same group as Team Canada last year. Losing the tie 0-3 to the Canadians meant beating Poland in their other group match was not enough to qualify for the semifinals.
Badosa's absence was noticeable during the tie against Canada. Although Rebeka Masarova and Sara Sorribes Tormo, who played in the singles rubbers, deserve immense respect, Badosa's best level is better than her two compatriots.
The former world No. 2 played her best tennis since 2022 during the recent North American hardcourt season. She won the Citi DC Open in Washington, overcoming the gritty Marie Bouzkova in the final.
She followed that achievement by reaching the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open and the quarterfinals of the US Open. Emma Navarro ended her run at the US Open in straight sets.
Although her US Open exit was disappointing, Badosa rightly found many positives with the level she produced throughout her time in New York and during the North American hardcourt season as a whole.
The other members of Spain's team for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals will hope Badosa can find some of that form on home soil on the indoor hardcourts in Malaga to inspire her country to glory.
Sara Sorribes Tormo, Cristina Bucsa, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and Nuria Parrizas-Diaz are the other members of Team Spain. Anabel Medina, who is undoubtedly delighted to have Badosa available, is the team's captain.
Badosa is known for her formidable power. She possesses one of the biggest serves on the WTA Tour, as well as powerful groundstrokes off both wings. That combination is why she is tough to stop at her best.
Her teammates' playing styles differ. Sorribes Tormo is among the grittiest opponents and best defenders in the women's game. Due to her style, her matches may contain the longest average rally length on the WTA Tour.
Bucsa hits the ball flatter than Sorribes Tormo, but she also does not strike the ball with much power. Her flat shots and short backswings are unusual for a Spanish player, making her unique in the women's game.
Bouzas Maneiro is one of the year's most improved players. The 21-year-old's style is more traditional for a Spanish player, encompassing heavy topspin on her forehand and excellent athleticism.
Those players are capable of providing adequate support for Badosa. However, the former world No. 2 must be near her best for Team Spain to have a chance of winning the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup.
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