Paula Badosa hits back after criticism surrounding China Open women’s doubles withdrawal with Muchova

Paula Badosa addressed the criticism regarding her and Karolina Muchova’s withdrawal from the women’s doubles at the China Open, emphasizing the need to prioritize health and well-being. She stated that their decision was based on personal considerations, underscoring the importance of taking care of oneself in competitive sports.

Paula Badosa faced backlash after she and Karolina Muchova withdrew from the women’s doubles at the China Open, just hours after defeating Irina Khromacheva and Anna Danilina in their opening match. The decision to withdraw before the second round drew criticism from fans and commentators, prompting Badosa to reiterate the importance of prioritizing health and personal circumstances in their competitive schedules.

Irina Khromacheva expressed her anger at the WTA regarding the ongoing situation, stating that Badosa and Muchova’s withdrawal reflected a lack of respect for doubles players. She claimed they withdrew because they “don’t care about doubles,” highlighting the frustration many have with how doubles events are treated on the tour. Her comments resonated with some players and fans who share similar concerns about the prioritization of doubles in the WTA.

In response to Khromacheva’s criticism, Paula Badosa defended herself on social media, stating, “People judge without fully understanding anything. It’s brutal.” While Muchova remains active in the tournament, facing Cristina Bucsa in the fourth round, Badosa has faced scrutiny for her previous withdrawals from doubles, having pulled out four times this year, including events in Stuttgart and Washington. This pattern has fueled ongoing debates about player commitments and the treatment of doubles in the WTA.

Paula Badosa has frequently entered mixed doubles tournaments, but has often been unable to complete them, largely due to her partner Stefanos Tsitsipas opting not to play. Badosa has suggested that her decisions are driven by specific reasons, indicating a strategic approach to her tournament participation. Her choices have sparked discussions about player priorities and the dynamics within the WTA, especially regarding doubles and mixed doubles events.