Paula Badosa delivered a career-defining performance, toppling third-seeded Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4 in the Australian Open quarterfinals. The Spaniard’s win not only ended Gauff’s 11-match winning streak but also secured her first-ever appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal, marking a monumental moment in her career.
Badosa’s brilliance and Gauff’s costly errors
The match showcased Badosa’s tactical brilliance and mental resilience, as she capitalized on her opportunities against an error-prone Gauff. Despite missing two break points early in the first set, Badosa remained composed, breaking Gauff at a critical juncture to take a 6-5 lead before serving out the opener.
In the second set, Badosa appeared unstoppable, racing to a 5-2 lead after securing back-to-back breaks. Although Gauff briefly mounted a comeback, retrieving one break in the eighth game, Badosa stayed calm and sealed the victory on her serve in the 10th game.
Gauff, the tournament’s No. 3 seed, struggled with inconsistency throughout the match. While she hit 31 winners, her 41 unforced errors and six double faults proved to be her undoing. The 19-year-old was visibly frustrated, unable to find her rhythm against Badosa’s relentless pressure.
A year of transformation for Badosa
For Badosa, this victory represents a complete turnaround from the struggles she faced just a year ago. Reflecting on her journey during her post-match interview, the 27-year-old expressed gratitude and disbelief at her progress.
“Coco was playing insane tennis at the beginning, but I’m super proud of the level I gave today,” Badosa said. “A year ago, I was here with my back [injury], not knowing if I’d have to retire from this sport. And now, I’m in the semifinals, playing against the best in the world.”
The road ahead: A clash of friends or foes?
Badosa now awaits the winner of the match between No. 5 seed Aryna Sabalenka and unseeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. A potential showdown with Sabalenka would carry an added emotional layer, as the two are close friends.
“If Aryna wins, it will be special to face her on such a big stage. But either way, I’ll give it everything I have,” Badosa added.
With her newfound confidence and relentless determination, Badosa has positioned herself as a formidable contender for the Australian Open title.
