Paula Badosa delivered a stunning performance in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, defeating Coco Gauff with a score of 7-5, 6-4. The match brought an abrupt end to Gauff's impressive 13-match winning streak. Badosa's victory marks her first advancement to the semifinals of a grand slam, where she will now face Aryna Sabalenka.
The match began with both players displaying remarkable skill, but it was Badosa who edged out the first set. She broke Gauff's serve at a crucial 5-5 juncture, eventually forcing Gauff to push a forehand long. Gauff struggled with inconsistency on her forehand throughout the match and committed 41 unforced errors. This inconsistency became evident as Badosa took an early lead in the second set.
Gauff's errors continued to haunt her, notably when a double fault at 5-2 down in the second set gave Badosa an advantage. Despite Gauff's efforts, Badosa completed the upset with a forehand winner, sealing her first grand slam quarterfinal victory.
"It’s tough right after and I’m still disappointed, but I think the way I played, even though it wasn’t my best, I gave it my all on the court so that’s something to be proud of." – Coco Gauff
Gauff entered the tournament with a strong chance of claiming her second grand slam title. However, the match against Badosa proved challenging as she admitted to fighting until the end.
"I fought ‘til the end. Some matches are going to go my way, some are not. I think it’s just one of those things that maybe a couple of years ago I would feel a lot more crushed and feel the world is ending type sadness." – Coco Gauff
Badosa's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Last year, she contemplated retirement due to a persistent back injury but decided to give it another try to see how it would unfold.
"The back wasn’t responding well and I didn’t find solutions." – Paula Badosa
Her perseverance paid off, and she stands proudly as she reflects on her achievements.
"And well, here I am. I’m really proud of what we went through with all my team and especially how I fought through all that, especially mentally." – Paula Badosa
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