The Spanish expedition for the Billie Jean King Cup (November 1 to 6) will travel to Prague this Tuesday, from Madrid and Barcelona, without Garbiñe Muguruza or Paula Badosa, the two best in the Navy in the world ranking (5th and 13th, respectively), who will not attend the Finals of the old Federation Cup after their qualification for the WTA Finals, the Masters tournament that will be played from 10 to 17 November in Guadalajara (Mexico).
The fact that both competitions are played without interruption, on different continents (11,000 kilometers apart) and opposite conditions (indoors and with cold in Prague and in height (1,566 meters), with heat and outdoors in Guadalajara), caused both Garbiñe and Paula to have doubts about the viability of their participation in the two events. In addition, they have physical problems, Muguruza on one ankle and Badosa on the right shoulder. In the Spanish Federation (RFET) there was concern and some pessimism about the contest of the Caracas and New York. And the worst omens were fulfilled.
“They have been months of a lot of pressure and travel, not having been at home since July when I left to go to the Olympic Games, with a lot of physical and mental demand, and unfortunately I have to stop, recover my ankle, since I have been dragging discomfort for weeks, and recover mentally, “Muguruza explained in a statement.” I am very sorry, but I am not able to play the BJK Cup. It is always special playing as a team and representing my country, but my body and my mind do not give me to make that trip, “he added. “I hope to recover to travel to the WTA Finals in Guadalajara (Mexico). From here I send all my love to the team and I wish them the best of luck., I know you are going to do very well. And to all of you who continually support me, a big hug, “he concluded. Paula Badosa posted a couple of phrases on social networks:” I’m sorry to announce that I will not be with the Spanish team in Prague. It hurts me to make the decision because of the calendar. I have every hope to be in the future and live great moments with everyone. This time I will have to cheer from a distance. Good luck, girls! “
Masarova and Bolsava, substitutes
The National Team attended the new Billie Jean King Cup, which opens a format very similar to that of the Davis Cup (group stage with 12 teams and semifinals and final crosses), with high hopes of success (they play against the USA and Slovakia) in view of a great team that was completed by Sara Sorribes, Nuria Parrizas and Carla Suárez. In anticipation of supplying the possible casualties that were later confirmed, the captain, Anabel Medina, had to urgently call Rebeka Masarova (168th) and Aliona Bolsava (172nd). The first one got off an ITF tournament in Barcelona in which she was going to participate and the second competed this Monday in Courmayeur (France), where she beat the Taiwanese Su-Wei Hsieh. Lto RFET, through its president, Míguel Díaz, and Medina herself, tried to agree with the International that Muguruza and Badosa will play only the two qualifying rounds of the group stage and then they will leave, but according to the governing body of Spanish tennis, the “strict rules” of the ITF prevented it.
