Badosa announces early end to its 2024 season after another withdrawal

Paula Badosa had to end her 2024 season early after being forced to retire and then withdraw from a few more tournaments.

At the start of this year, it was unclear whether the 26-year-old Spanish player would be able to return to her best game. Last year, she played just 27 matches, winning 18 of them, which is certainly not a mark the former world number 2 would aim for.

This year didn’t start out so well for her either. She lost in the first round in Adelaide, in the third round of the Australian Open, and already at her next event in Hua Hin, Badosa was forced to withdraw from the match against Diana Shnaider.

After losing in the second round of the Qatar Open, another injury forced Badosa to withdraw in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. She then lost in the second round in Miami, the first round in Charleston, the second round in Stuttgart and the first round in Madrid.

But everything changed completely during the last part of the hard court season. Instead of competing in the Olympics, Badosa chose to compete in the Citi Open, in Washington, and it was a great decision, as he won the tournament in Washington.

She then reached the semi-final of the Cincinnati Open, the quarter-final of the US Open, the semi-final of the China Open and the semi-final of the Ningbo Open, but that was where her run unfortunately ended again due to health issues.

In the semi-final against Daria Kasatkina, Badosa had her blood pressure checked and ultimately withdrew from the match after losing the first set 4–6.

After that, she was supposed to compete in the Japan Open in Tokyo, where she already appeared in the draw. Unfortunately, the Spaniard announced that she would not be able to play in Tokyo, thus ending the 2024 season early.

“Due to health problems I couldn’t play yesterday and I won’t be able to play in Tokyo, unfortunately. My 2024 season is over. It was a very long season in which I overcame situations that I thought were impossible.”

However, Badosa has confused some of his fans by stating that he intends to prepare for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. The tournament will take place 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’ve been aiming for since my return. (one of the best players in the world again) I’m already looking forward to recovering well and getting ready to represent my country in Malaga for the BJKC. Thank you for always support.

This likely means that what Badosa meant by ending the 2024 season was only related to tournaments for her as an individual, likely 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 reach the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup finals, but his absence from the home team would certainly be a huge blow to their title chances. In the first round of the tournament, Spain will face Poland, who will play in Malaga without Iga Swiatek.