While Ons Jabeur and Elina Svitolina called off their seasons early after injury and surgery, Maria Sakkari added to a dubious group of struggling players.

An ongoing debate over tour scheduling has only added to this troubling physical decline of several of the top stars.

With a typically brutal North American hard court swing bookended by the Paris Olympics and a packed run in East Asia, another player has been forced to conclude her 2024 proceedings slightly early.

READ MORE: Caroline Garcia announces she won’t play until 2025 after saying she let tennis ‘consume’ her

Paula Badosa pens moving message as she ends her 2024 season

Paula Badosa nearly quit tennis earlier this year amid her injury troubles, with doctors warning she might never play the sport again.

The former world number two however has slowly rediscovered her top level and a handful of deeps runs on the hard-courts have epitomised this remarkable growth.

A dismantling of Seoul champion Beatriz Haddad Maia in the Ningbo Open quarter-finals came at a slight cost, with the Spaniard forced to retire after losing the first set of her semi-final against eventual champion Daria Kasatkina.

Withdrawing from the Tokyo Open, Badosa announced, via her Instagram story on Sunday 20th October: “Due to health problems, I couldn’t play yesterday and unfortunately won’t be able to play in Tokyo. My 2024 season has ended.”

Penning a poignant message, she highlighted her amazing recovery this year. “It has been a very long season where I have overcome situations I thought were impossible. I am very proud of myself.

“I have returned to where I wanted to be and where I aspired to be since my return, to once again be one of the best players in the world, and I am looking forward to recovering well and preparing to represent my country in Malaga for the BJKC [Billie Jean King Cup]. Thank you for the support always.”

Paula Badosa is in the conversation for the Australian Open

Known for her powerful groundstrokes, athleticism, and mental toughness, Badosa has the tools to succeed on hard courts.

Although injuries have hampered her consistency this year, a fully fit Badosa can compete with the best in the world.

While her past performances in Grand Slams don’t necessarily paint a thoroughly optimistic picture, she has risen back through the WTA rankings astronomically quickly after he lengthy tour hiatus.

If she can find her rhythm and stay healthy, Badosa has the potential to be a serious contender in Melbourne. With a strong start to the season, she could firmly establish herself as a favorite for the title.

Related Posts