The Spanish MAPFRE Tennis Team completed its first training this Saturday in Malaga in preparation for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals which will be played from November 13 to 20 in the Andalusian city.
Paula Badosa and Nuria Párrizas have been the first to step onto the court attached to the José Mª Martín Carpena Sports Palace where the matches will be played with a capacity of close to four thousand seats. In the afternoon session Jessica Bouzas and, later, Sara Sorribes worked out together with Marina Bassols, substitute for the injured Cristina Bucsa.
Captain Anabel Medina was satisfied with her team’s first sensations after opening the court on which the matches will be played: “The girls haven’t played indoors in a while and they have to adapt, do a lot of rallying. They liked the track, although they found it a little fast. But the facility is nice and it has been a positive day.”
The good moment of Paula Badosa
A large part of Spain’s options involve recovering the best version of Paula Badosa: “I have seen it very well. He has been preparing for the Billie Jean King Cup for some time since he finished his Asian tour and today he has trained really well. He feels good and is a fundamental pillar within the team. He comes with great enthusiasm and great confidence after the good results he has achieved.”
To occupy the number two of the team, the captain must choose between the good moment of Jessica Bouzas, or the experience of Sara Sorribes and Nuria Párrizas. “Both things are important, that’s why I want to see how the girls manage these four days of work knowing that they have the possibility of being able to play. The one that best adapts will be the one that has the most possibilities.”
Down with Cristina Bucsa
The last minute loss of Olympic medalist Cristina Bucsa has disrupted her plans for the doubles point: “We are sorry that he cannot be here, both on a personal and sporting level, because with Sara he is an established doubles player, something that is highly sought after in this type of competitions. But you have to know how to adapt to these circumstances.”
Spain will open the Finals of this Women’s Tennis World Cup by facing Poland on Wednesday, November 13, starting at 11 a.m. “It is a very tough tie because they have Swiatek, who is number two in the world, and two other players who are in very good shape after an Asian tour with good results. But Spain is also a difficult opponent and, above all, with the factor of playing at home.”
Tickets are available exclusively on the official competition portal billiejeankingcup.com.
