For Paula Badosa, the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon ended on Friday with a bitter disappointment. Due to persistent back pain, the Spaniard had to give up her second round match against the Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk. Then, to make matters worse, a confused journalist would not let her rest.
At the subsequent press conference, a reporter who apparently had little expertise caused bizarre scenes when he wanted to congratulate Badosa on the supposed victory.
The 25-year-old had to correct him several times. “For your information: I lost – and didn’t win,” Badosa explained to her counterpart, who still seemed to understand correctly.
Because afterwards he followed up with the less sensitive questions. “You have recently missed a few matches due to injuries. Can you give us an update on your fitness and confidence?” asked the journalist.
“Well, I’m not feeling at my best. I just had to retire. So I wish I could feel better,” Badosa replied tersely.
Tennis: Difficult months for Paula Badosa
The number 35 in the world had to give up at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year due to muscular problems. A long period of suffering followed due to back problems. A stress fracture in the lumbar region put Badosa out of action at the end of May.
After she had to skip the French Open, the task at Wimbledon followed.
At the memorable press conference, the top player also announced that she would not play doubles with her partner Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“No, I won’t be able to,” Badosa clarified. She left it open how she would continue with a comeback.
She will “need a few days off” to talk to her team. Then she wanted to “see what I’ll do in the next few days and weeks,” said Badosa.