"I think it was a smart decision" - Paula Badosa explains why she chose to play at the DC Open in lieu of the Olympic Games

Former World No.2 Paula Badosa is one of the big names missing from the 2024 Olympic Games tennis roster, and the Spanish star has opened up on why she chose to skip the quadrennial event and instead compete at the ongoing DC Open.

Badosa defeated 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in her opening round match at the DC Open. The Spaniard has been dealing with back injuries over the last year, making sporadic appearances on the WTA Tour. After regaining some momentum earlier this year, Badosa shocked several fans by opting to play at the DC Open instead of representing her native Spain at the Paris Olympics.

"In the last two tournaments that I played on grass I felt good sensations and I have to say that I felt good," revealed Badosa. "In the last one it was a shame because I was very close and I showed a great level, I am confident in view of the season on hard courts, I love this phase.
"My back is responding well, if I continue to change surfaces I risk having problems and it's not worth it for me, especially given the situation at the beginning of the season. Sometimes all this scares you mentally, I want to avoid these feelings and I think it was a smart decision."