Paula Badosa experienced an emotional victory on Tuesday as she defeated Coco Gauff to secure her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance at the Australian Open. The world No. 12 delivered a standout performance, overcoming the third-seeded American with a score of 7-5, 6-4. This win not only propelled Badosa into the semifinals but also halted Gauff’s impressive 11-match winning streak, which included her triumph at the 2023 US Open.
After clinching the match, Badosa collapsed onto the court in a moment of pure elation, reflecting on her journey over the past year. “I’m a bit emotional – as you know, I’m a very emotional person,” she admitted, acknowledging the challenges she has faced. Just a year prior, Badosa received a devastating diagnosis of a chronic back injury, leading doctors to suggest she consider retiring from the sport. “A year ago, I was here with my back and I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport,” she recalled, emphasizing how far she has come since then.
Having battled through adversity, Badosa now finds herself on the brink of a Grand Slam title. Since the second half of 2024, she has not only regained her health but also rediscovered her competitive edge, highlighted by her victory at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington and reaching three WTA semifinals late last year. As she prepares for her semifinal match against defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Badosa reflects on her remarkable journey: “I will never think that a year after I would be here. This is a dream come true.” With two wins standing between her and a Grand Slam championship, Badosa is poised to make her mark on tennis history.
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