Top-seeded Badosa retires after 29 minutes in Guadalajara, loses WTA Finals hopes
WTA
Paula Badosa traveled to Mexico with hopes of qualifying for the 2022 WTA Finals, but her journey ended earlier than she expected.
The 24-year-old Spanish player took on Victoria Azarenka in the first round of the Guadalajara Open, and as the 13th player in the WTA Race Rankings, she needed a few victories to secure her spot at the year-end event.
However, Badosa got broken twice early in the match, and after just 29 minutes, she lost the first set to Azarenka 2-6. She then made a decision to retire from the match as an injury troubled her, and she lost all chances to qualify for the WTA Finals.
For Azarenka, that meant a first-round win, but the Belarusian player, like any other player, wasn't happy to win through a retirement.
"You never want anybody to retire, we go out here to compete and do our best. It's really sad that Paula wasn't able to finish the match. I hope she recovers quickly. I'm sure we're going to have a few more matches to play, so I'm looking forward to those."
Badosa wanted to apologize and thank all the fans who supported her in Mexico. Therefore, soon after her retirement, she wrote a message on social media apologizing for her withdrawal.
"I'm sorry I had to withdraw, I'm very sad. I was trying everything to be able to compete today but my body said enough is enough. I have gone completely to the limit to be able to try to compete..."
"I wanted to try even if I was at 50% because playing in Guadalajara for me is like playing at home. I'm very sorry for all the fans who were there today, you are one of the best audiences there is, thanks for making me feel so loved. Until next year and thanks Guadalajara Open, you are the best."
Badosa will finish the year outside of the Top 10 of the WTA Rankings, and despite still being on the entry list for the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, she may not be able to compete in Glasgow.
