"I loved how she played and I wanted to be like her": Paula Badosa 'very sad' about lack of Garbine Muguruza on tour currently

Thursday, 09 November 2023 at 14:30

Seen at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals alongside former coach Conchita Martinez, Garbine Muguruza won't be part of a slew of big name returns on the WTA Tour in 2024 as the Spaniard takes more time out of the game as Paula Badosa discussed her impact.

Badosa who in the absence of the multiple Grand Slam champion has anchored Spanish hopes said she looks up to Muguruza and finds it sad that she isn't on tour at the moment.

As well as that with Muguruza on their team, their fortunes may have looked different. Spain lost their group opener on Wednesday to Canada, without Badosa playing a part in the singles.

"Garbine Muguruza makes me very sad because for me she has been a reference," Badosa said. "I loved how she played and I wanted to be like her. I would really like her to be here now, with us (for the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup), because I think we could do anything with a team like that, but things are what they are."

Pleased Muguruza is happy

But while it's the case that Muguruza is missed, Badosa also continued that she is pleased that she is happy in life after she went through a period of mental fortitude following winning the WTA Finals.

"I see her very happy and enjoying herself, something that didn't happen when she played," she continued.

"In the end, she is a player who has achieved absolutely everything, the best Spanish player along with Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Conchita Martinez, so she has earned the right to do whatever she wants."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

Rennae Stubbs questions why WTA Finals weren't played in Czech Republic after provisions made to allow Aryna Sabalenka into country

DRAW | 2023 ATP FINALS as Novak DJOKOVIC and Carlos ALCARAZ lead groups confirmed in Turin