Badosa explains why she is not at the Olympic Games: "I prefer to choose a tournament that gives me points"

Although all eyes are on the Paris 2024 Olympics, this is not the only event currently taking place in the tennis circuit. The WTA Washington 2024 and all its participants are finalizing details for its start, with Paula Badosa being one of the protagonists. The Spanish player speaks to the press on Media Day to discuss her arrival at the American event, the surface change, and her good sensations in recent tournaments.

"I felt very good in the two tournaments I played on the grass court tour, I played good matches," Paula begins telling the media. "The last one was a shame because I was very close, but I showed a high level. That gives me a lot of confidence, especially now for the hard court season. It's a tour that I love, I enjoy coming back to the United States after the European one."

About the Paris 2024 Olympics

"When the list came out, I said I would play here. I am not going to change surfaces so quickly, from grass to clay and then to the hard court in Toronto. It was not the best for my back, and I have to prioritize my health. Also, due to the protected ranking I had to choose at that time. My ranking was not too good, so I had to choose between the Olympics or the US Open. I prefer to choose a tournament that gives me points. That was my decision. It's a pity not to be able to participate in the Olympics, but the conditions were what they were. I have to give priority to my back."

How does the surface change affect your back?

"My back is responding very well. If I keep changing from hard court to clay and grass, in the end, I could have issues, it can inflame more easily. Having those spasms and other back problems is not worth it for me, especially considering how I started the year. Sometimes, mentally it makes you a bit scared, I want to avoid that feeling. When I play on one surface for weeks, my body adapts better. I think it's the smartest decision."

How do you handle criticism from social media?

"When I entered the circuit, I was very young and I didn't understand it. Suddenly, people were judging me. I took it personally. It's been four years like that now. You have more pressure, more expectations. I have learned to deal with it, I focus only on the positive part. The people around me are the most important, their opinion matters to me. The others don't know me, so it's not a problem for me."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Badosa explica por qué no está en los Juegos Olímpicos: "Prefiero elegir un torneo que me da puntos"