"I didn't expect to play at this level," rejoices Badosa after her return to competition at the BJK Cup

Despite Spain's elimination, Paula Badosa lit up the court with a high-level performance against Svitolina. Absent since Wimbledon, the world No. 20 remained positive despite her defeat in the BJK Cup.

Paula Badosa made her big return this Wednesday during the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup. The world No. 20 represented Spain and faced Elina Svitolina in the second match of the encounter against Ukraine.

With her back to the wall after Jessica Bouzas Maneiro's defeat against Marta Kostyuk, the former No. 2 WTA player delivered a fine performance and narrowly lost (5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in 2h08), even saving a set point in the first set.

After her defeat, which coincided with her country's elimination, 27-year-old Badosa was still delighted to be back after recurrent physical issues, notably with her back, in recent months.

"Honestly, after so many months without playing a single official competition match, returning to the level I showed today against a player like Elina (Svitolina) is a source of pride.

Of course, from a team perspective, I am sad that we lost, but if we talk about my match, I think it was an excellent performance, in which we both gave 100% of ourselves.

And in the end, that's what counts. I may not have expected to play at this level in my first match upon my return, but it gives me confidence and a positive attitude for the future," Badosa assured Tribuna.