Ukraine beat the five-time World Champions 2-0 in the quarter-finals
Paula Badosa is taking the positives from both her and Spain’s Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals exploits despite their quarter-final exit to Ukraine in Shenzhen.
Badosa’s loss to Elina Svitolina sealed a 2-0 victory for Ukraine after Marta Kostyuk had beaten Jessica Bouzas Maneiro first up, but the 27-year-old former World No. 2 won the first set of her match in a strong showing after over two months out with a persistent back injury.
Speaking after the match, Badosa said: “Of course I’m sad that we lost as a team. I’m really proud of myself because I gave my all. It was a game of margins. It was very tight at the end. I think we both played at a very good level.
“Especially in my case after two months and a half outside of competition, coming back at this level, playing against I think she’s top 12 in the world, for me means a lot. It gives me motivation to continue on all this faith that I have the level to be there again.”
Kostyuk laid the foundation for Ukraine to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history with a 7-6(3) 6-2 triumph over Bouzas Maneiro before World No. 13 Svitolina battled back to defeat Badosa 5-7 6-2 7-5.
“Of course, I’m proud of my fight today. In a way, it’s sad because I hate to lose, but I’m really proud,” Badosa added.
Looking ahead, Badosa wants to build on the “amazing team bonding” throughout the week as she looks to a brighter future.
It’s sad because I hate to lose, but I’m really proud
Paula Badosa
“What I want, I think my big goal is to start looking at 2026. I want to finish the best way possible this year. I hope I can play as many matches as possible also, try to get as fit as possible in the pre-season. I’m looking forward to that,” she said.
Spain captain Carla Suarez Navarro echoed those sentiments, praising the quality of the two matches and making note of Badosa’s strong display after a lengthy period on the sidelines.
“I think it was two different matches, but in the same way really tough. For me, Marta and Jessica, they played a really good first set, then Marta played better in the second set,” she said.
“Paula and Elina, they showed the best tennis they can. I think it was a really good match for the crowd, for the fans. It was tough. We know what kind of player Elina was. She was fighting till the end during all his career, especially today.
“Paula, you know she was on court after two months at home. She played really, really good. She gave everything she had inside.
“We are going to try to be back next year” said Navarro in closing as the five-time champions bowed out.
