The Spanish squad for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals suffered a setback on Monday after their two highest ranked singles players announced that they will not be playing.
Garbine Muguruza and Paula Badosa have both pulled out of the 12-team event which will take place next week in Prague, Czech Republic. The duo are the only Spanish players currently ranked inside the top 30 on the WTA Tour. Two-time Grand Slam champion Muguruza is currently fifth in the standings and Indian Wells winner Badosa is 13th.
In a statement posted on her social media account, Muguruza said her recovery from an ankle injury is taking longer than expected and instead wants to focus on getting ready for the WTA Finals which will take place the week after in Mexico. The 28-year-old has represented her country in the competition, which was formerly known as the Fed Cup, six times in her career.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to play in the BJK Cup this year. The last months have obviously been very demanding with the Olympics, Chicago and the new date of Indian Wells,” Muguruza said.
“I have not been home since July. The recovery in my ankle is taking a little longer than expected and I will spend the next weeks trying to get ready for Guadalajara (Mexico). I wish the team all the best and cheering for you to do very well.”
Badosa’s reason for skipping the event is also because she wants to focus on the prestigious WTA Finals which has a prize money pool of $5 million. She hasn’t played a match on the Tour since winning the biggest title of her career in Indian Wells where she defeated three top players in a row. In the final she ousted Victoria Azarenka in three sets.
“I am 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,” said Badosa.
“ I have all the illusion to be in the future in the team and to live great moments together with everyone. This time I will have to cheer from a distance.”
The duo will be replaced in the team by Rebeka Masárová and Aliona Bolsova. Sara Sorribes Tormo, Nuria Párrizas Diaz and Carla Suárez Navarro have already been nominated to play.
Spain has been drawn in Group C for the Billie Jean King Cup finals along with America and Slovakia. The tournament will get underway on November 1st.
