Paula Badosa reveals why she chose to leave Rafael Nadal ‘alone’ after his retirement announcement

Paula Badosa has chosen to hold off on expressing her gratitude to Rafael Nadal, respecting the intensity of his farewell.

Paula Badosa reveals why she chose to leave Rafael Nadal ‘alone’ after his retirement announcement

Rafael Nadal and Paula Badosa (Image via Eurosport)

Rafael Nadal‘s career is coming to an end a few weeks from now. The Spanish legend has decided to retire from the sport at the Davis Cup in Malaga. Since his retirement announcement, several greats of the games and players have paid their farewell tribute to the Spanish legend. On the contrary, fellow compatriot Paula Badosa reveals why she didn’t send Nadal any message.

Nadal retirement announcement was shocking to the tennis world. The 38-year-old had turned down a farewell tribute by the French Open organizers after losing in the first round. He has also not shared which tournament would be his last, despite being asked on several occasions. Nonetheless, the tennis world has begun to adjust to the reality of him leaving the sport soon.

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Rafa is going to play his final professional match at the Davis Cup Finals in November in Spain. The Spaniard sees the event as the best for him to draw the curtain in front of home fans. He is the second active player to have won the Cup four times in his career. Rafael Nadal last played at the event in 2019, which he also won.

In a recent interview, Badosa revealed that she didn’t send Nadal any message following his retirement announcement. She added that she left him alone because it was a very intense moment.

It’s always a person who has helped me a lot. When I was injured, during my convalescence, he gave me advice. He was always there. Obviously I thought of sending him a message since his statement, but I also wanted to leave him alone because I know it’s a very intense moment and I don’t like to invade spaces. I will wait a little, but obviously I will get in touch when the time comes and I will thank him again for what he has done for me.

Paula Badosa said via Spanish news agency EFE

Meanwhile, Badosa will represent Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup in November. The Spaniard will hope to follow in the footsteps of Nadal by winning the Cup for the first time in her career.

Paula Badosa ends 2024 WTA season due illness

Paula Badosa has ended her 2024 WTA season after withdrawing from the Tokyo Open. The 26-year-old was forced to retire from her semifinal match against Daria Kasatkina at the Ningbo Open due to illness.

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa (Image via X)

The Spaniard was looking forward to winning the WTA 500 title and then pushing for the WTA Finals qualification. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to achieve those dreams. However, the World No.15 revealed that she will represent Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga.

Because of health issues, I wasn’t able to play yesterday and won’t be able to play Tokyo, unfortunately. My 2024 season has ended. Has been a very long season where I overcame situations I thought they were impossible. Already looking forward to recover well and prepare to represent my country in Malaga for BJKC.

Paula Badosa shared via her Instagram story
Paula Badosa (via Instagram)
Paula Badosa’s Instagram story

Badosa had a good 2024 season with a record of 34-17 and a DC Open title in August. She will be hoping to come back stronger in 2025 and win more titles.