Badosa dreams big in Beijing

The world number 19 performs as the favorite against Shuai Zhang to secure her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Beijing 2024.

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 3 Oct 2024 | 10.34
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Paula Badosa at the WTA Beijing 2024. Photo: Getty.
Paula Badosa at the WTA Beijing 2024. Photo: Getty.

Paula Badosa continues her adventure at the WTA Beijing 2024 after confirming her victory against Shuai Zhang with a final score of 6-1 and 7-6(4) in 1 hour and 25 minutes of playtime. After a perfect first set by Paula, Shuai mounted a comeback, although her limit was reached in the tiebreak won by the Spaniard. The world number 19 now awaits her opponent in the semifinals.

With the confidence of a former world number two, Paula started off the match strong, fending off her opponent's attacks, who was the crowd favorite for obvious reasons. The Spaniard's tennis was once again spectacular, holding ground from the baseline like a rock, taking total control of the court to lead the match on her terms.

In the blink of an eye, Badosa secured the first set of a match that seemed entirely in her favor, although she couldn't afford to lose focus against an opponent and crowd dreaming of a comeback. This potential comeback began with Zhang's first break, capitalizing on doubts in Paula's serve to turn the tables in Beijing.

Badosa recovers from a lapse in concentration

Without straying too far, Paula caught up with Shuai in time, reinstating equality, albeit after giving her hopes by unleashing an unreachable topspin backhand. Zhang's improvement from the baseline was evident, but Badosa continued to fight in what could be the final stretch.

Although she had recovered from that deficit, the Spaniard couldn't completely halt Zhang's momentum as she entered the tiebreak with determination. Taking a step forward and holding firm from the other side of the net, Paula confirmed her spot in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 Beijing 2024, where she will face the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Yulia Starodubtseva.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Badosa sueña a lo grande en Pekín