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

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."

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."