Badosa hits back at ‘disrespectful’ retirement claim

Paula Badosa

Former world number two Paula Badosa has responded to claims she is “disrespectful to the game” following her withdrawal from a match in Dubai.

The Spaniard beat Katerina Siniakova 6-3 7-5 at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday before a right thigh issue forced her to retire from the match against Elina Svitolina on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who retired from four matches last year, was 4-1 up against Svitolina but lost the first set 6-4 and then, having called for treatment, withdrew.

A social media user accused Badosa of being “disrespectful to the game” as “you cannot retire/withdraw from every tournament”.

“You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going,” wrote Badosa in response., external.

“To wake up every day not knowing how your body will respond, searching for solutions, and fighting for something you love and give everything to even when it’s so difficult.”

Svitolina won again on Wednesday, beating Belinda Bencic 4-6 6-1 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals in Dubai, where she will face Antonia Ruzic.

The Croatian only entered the main draw as a lucky loser but is now into the last eight after Elena Rybakina became the 14th player to withdraw or retire in the event.