The echo of an inexhaustible Badosa resonates in Melbourne

Mónica Barberán Munera | 21 Jan 2025 | 02.31

Paula Badosa at the Australian Open 2025. Photo: Getty

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The day at Rod Laver Arena of this 2025 Australian Open couldn't have started better for Spanish tennis with the great victory of Paula Badosa over Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. The Catalan managed to reach her first Grand Slam semifinals after defeating the world number 3 by 7-5 6-4, also marking her first win over a top-10 player in such tournaments. Paula played very solid, aggressively, and at a high level unlike her opponent, who couldn't dispel her doubts or prevent the high number of mistakes made with her forehand.

The Spaniard started the match very aggressively, making it clear what her position would be throughout the set. Paula was very brave in this tightly contested first set, filled with high-level performances. While Gauff relied on her serve, the Catalan was equally strong, managing to keep the American at bay. Gauff suffered the consequences of how confidently the Spaniard held onto the court, responding well in the rallies and capitalizing on errors from Coco, who still lacks blind confidence in her forehand.

The high level displayed by both was not overshadowed by the lack of continuity in an intermittent set that mixed great shots and intensity with unforced errors, mainly from Gauff. Almost complete equality prevailed until Badosa makes a statement to show her toughness and determination. Stretching out for a volley, the Spaniard managed to break her opponent's serve and close the first set to go all out.

Gauff, powerless against Badosa's solidity

On the other side of the court, nerves and despair took over a very doubtful Gauff with her serve and emotionally vulnerable. These nerves left her without security in her forehand, creating a very difficult hole to fill. And after 13 long minutes, Paula's patience and her opponent's errors granted her the first break. Afterwards, it seemed like the American might have gained some momentum after a few good shots and managing to recover the break, but her desperation overtook her once again.

Paula just had to maintain her high level, stay in the match, take advantage of all the doubts and troubles of her opponent to show that destiny was in her hands. She achieved another break and served to win, and although Gauff tried to avoid defeat at all costs in the final stages of the match, the Spaniard ended up securing a very significant victory that places her in her first Grand Slam semifinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El eco de una inagotable Badosa resuena en Melbourne