Staff Reporter.
Spain’s Paula Badosa has withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to a persistent lower back injury, compatriot Cristina Bucsa now takes her spot in the main draw to face Veronika Kudermetova of Russia.
“I wanted to let you know that unfortunately I won’t be able to play Mutua Madrid Open,” Badosa announced on social media.
“I’ve tried to do everything possible until the last moment because you know how excited I am to play at home, but it’s being a complicated injury.
“I hope to be 100 per cent soon,” Badosa added.
The 27-year-old has not taken to the court since pulling out at the round-of-16 stage of the Miami Open in March with a back problem.
Meanwhile Katie Boulter has been knocked out of the Madrid Open in the second round by Jasmine Paolini.
The Italian, ranked six in the world, dropped just three games as she beat Boulter 6-1 6-2 within 61 minutes in the Spanish capital.
The 2024 French Open runner-up converted six of her seven break points, setting up a last-32 tie against Greece’s Maria Sakkari.
The 28-year-old’s exit means Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal are the only remaining Britons in the WTA 1,000 event, with both in action later on Friday.