Spanish tennis dealt major blow as top stars withdraw from Billie Jean King Cup

Spanish tennis has been dealt a huge blow as both of their top female stars have withdrawn from the Billie Jean King Cup with one eye on the WTA Finals.

Garbine Muguruza and Paula Badosa have both pulled out of the prestigious 12-team tournament which takes place in Prague next week.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Muguruza currently sits seventh in the ‘Porsche Race to the WTA Finals’, whilst Paula Badosa secured her spot in Guadalajara with a stunning victory at the Indian Wells Masters.

Muguruza took to social media to announce that she will be focusing on her preparation for the WTA Finals and will not make her seventh appearance for the Spanish tennis side this year.

“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.”

Paula Badosa, who made history after beating Victoria Azarenka in the California-based event by becoming the first Spaniard to win the title, also announced her withdrawal to focus on the end of year event.

“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.”

Read >> US Open BREAKING NEWS

Watch >> US Open LIVE SCORES

Catch up >> US Open ‘Second Service’

Enjoy >> US Open LIVE COMMENTARY

Order >> US Open SPECIAL MAGAZINE

Follow >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club