“The key is building a strong team atmosphere”: Paula Badosa comeback headlines Spain’s Billie Jean King Cup challenge

Paula Badosa is back training and preparing for her long-awaited return to competition this week at the Billie Jean King Cup, in what could be her first appearance since late June. The Spaniard’s last match came at Wimbledon, where she fell in the opening round against Katie Boulter. Since then, she has once again battled physical problems linked to her recurring back injury — a setback that forced her to skip the entire North American hardcourt swing, including the US Open.

The former world No. 2 had been enjoying a promising first half of the 2025 season, showing signs of stability after years interrupted by injuries. But, as has often been the case throughout her career, her progress was halted just when momentum seemed to be building. Determined not to let another setback define her year, Badosa has worked intensively on her recovery to be ready for Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, set to begin on September 17.

Spain, captained by Carla Suárez Navarro, faces a major challenge in their opening tie against Ukraine. The Eastern European squad will rely on Elina Svitolina (world No. 13) and Marta Kostyuk (No. 25), two players who have consistently proven themselves as dangerous in team competitions. For Spain, Badosa returns as the nation’s highest-ranked player at world No. 20, and her presence instantly raises expectations.

Still, the strength of Spain’s roster goes beyond Badosa. The inclusion of Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (No. 50) and Cristina Bucsa (No. 62) adds depth and balance to the lineup. Bouzas has enjoyed a breakout season, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, the quarterfinals at the Canadian Open, and the round of 16 in Cincinnati. At just 22 years old, she has stepped into the spotlight with a growing confidence on tour. Bucsa, meanwhile, arrives in Spain’s team fresh off her best-ever Grand Slam run, reaching the round of 16 at the US Open — a sign of her maturity and steady progress.

For Badosa, the return to the court represents more than just another tournament — it is a mental and physical checkpoint after a long, difficult year. “I’m feeling very good. Honestly, it has been a tough few months, a complicated year with injuries,” she admitted ahead of the Finals. “But I’ve been recovering well, I’m very motivated, and I hope to give 100%.”

The Spaniard knows better than most the mental challenges that come with repeated setbacks. “Mentally, it’s very difficult. Whether you want to or not, you lose confidence in your body. But it’s also true that this isn’t the first time. I have experience, and I hope to return and stay this time.”

Despite the frustrations, Badosa is convinced that Spain has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the Billie Jean King Cup. “I always see a lot of potential. I think the key is building a strong team atmosphere, and that’s already happening. The level has been very high in recent months, and I have a lot of faith in my teammates. Hopefully, we can deliver a great performance.”

Jessica Bouzas has been one of the revelations of Spanish tennis in 2025. With her fearless game and consistent results, she has shown she can handle the biggest stages. “I haven’t really changed much,” Bouzas reflected. “In the end, it’s about growing, learning, and improving day by day. There’s no big secret. There are good moments and not-so-good ones, but the important thing is to keep moving forward and keep learning.”

Cristina Bucsa also comes into the Finals with momentum after a career-best Slam result. The 26-year-old reached the fourth round of the US Open, a run that boosted her confidence. “Yes, I was expecting this kind of performance at a Grand Slam,” Bucsa said. “I’m arriving with a lot of energy and confidence to give my best. As the years go by, I’ve been getting to know myself better — what my strongest points are, what I need to work on — and I’m just moving forward with that.”

Her consistency adds another layer of reliability for Spain, especially in doubles, where she has proven to be a steady hand under pressure.