Paula Badosa, the Spanish tennis star, has opted to skip the 2024 Paris Olympics, choosing instead to compete at the Citi Open in Washington. This decision is influenced by her ongoing struggle with injuries and the need to carefully manage her schedule to avoid further setbacks.

Badosa, who has had a successful grass-court season, reaching the quarter-finals in Bad Homburg and the round of 16 at Wimbledon, expressed her satisfaction with her recent performance. “I think the grass season, the two tournaments that I played, I felt pretty well there. I played really good matches,” she said.

The rapid surface changes between Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the North American hard-court season were significant factors in her decision. “I’m not going to change surface that quickly, like from grass to clay, then next Toronto hard court. For my back was not the best. I have to prioritize my health,” Badosa explained.

Additionally, her ranking played a crucial role. Ranked 65th at the time of the decision, she needed to use her protected ranking strategically. “Also for the protected rankings I had to choose in that moment. My ranking wasn’t great, so I had to choose that or the US Open. I prefer choosing on a tournament that gives me points,” she added.

Despite the disappointment of missing the Olympics, Badosa remains focused on her long-term career goals and maintaining her physical well-being. “Of course, it’s a shame I cannot play Olympics. The conditions are what it was. So I have to prioritize my back in that case,” she concluded.

Paula Badosa in 2024

Currently ranked no.65, Badosa played her last match on the 7^th of July when she surrendered to world no.21 Donna Vekic 6-2 1-6 6-4 in the 4^th round in Wimbledon (draw).

During this season Paula achieved an overall 16-13 win-loss record.

Paula Badosa will come up against the world no.56 Sofia Kenin in the 1^st round. They have never played each other so far in top events.