Paula Badosa 'very proud' of herself for incredible 2024 comeback season, sends thankful message to team and fans after injury brings end to year
Paula Badosa withdrew her name from the Japan Open, citing health issues, and announced an end to her 2024 season. She also withdrew from the Wuhan Open, just an hour before her clash against Ajla Tomljanovic.
Before announcing the end of her season, Badosa competed in the Ningbo Open, where she reached the semifinals. She walked over in her semifinal match against Daria Kasatkina after their first set. She opted for a medical timeout and was checked by the medics, but a few moments later, it was declared that she had retired from the match, giving Kasatkina the win with a score of 6-4.
Just a day after this match, Badosa took to her Instagram story and announced the end of her 2024 season, citing health concerns. She exuded pride in herself for fulfilling her aims and said that she was looking forward to getting well soon. She wrote:
"Because of health issues I wasn't able to play yesterday and won't be able to play Tokyo unfortunately. My 2024 season has ended. Has been a very long season where I overcame situations I thought they were impossible," Paul Badosa wrote. "I'm very proud of myself. I'm back where I wanted to be and where I was aiming since my comeback. (one of the best players in the world again) Already looking forward to recover well and prepare to represent my country in Malaga for BJKC. Thank you for the support always. See you soon."
She added another story, where she uploaded her smiling picture and wrote:
"One of my fav pics of this year. No matter how hard the situation is I'll always smile."
This year had been a roller-coaster experience for Paul Badosa, as she was recently a part of an online controversy where fans were irked at her for racism.
Paula Badosa shared her clarification amidst blame for mocking Asian people
Fans recently pointed fingers at Paula Badosa for making racist jokes about Asian people. Following the China Open, her coach, Pol Toledo, posted a carousel of pictures on Instagram, wherein one of the pictures, the Spaniard was seen pulling her eyelids back with chopsticks, which created an impression in front of multiple fans that she is mocking the eyes of the Asians.
After facing a lot of hate online, Badosa shared her clarification statement by commenting under the post. She said that she was just 'playing around', and it was not intentional or directed towards any race.
"Oh no please don't get it that way. Never thought it would get interpreted this way we weren't even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia one of my favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest," Badosa wrote.
She also shared an apology on the matter on her X account:
"Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand…. I love you all."
Paula Badosa reached the semifinals of the China Open; however, she fell short of qualifying for the finals during her battle against Coco Gauff, who dominated the match with the score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.