Spanish tennis has become the great animator of this edition of the Australian Open with two very serious assets to obtain the singles title. Carlos Alcaraz, quarterfinalist in the men's event, has been joined by Paula Badosa. The tennis player from Begur, at 27 years old, has taken another step in her career this Tuesday and has qualified for the first time for the semifinals of a 'Grand Slam' tournament. His victim was Coco Gauff, 7-5 and 6-4, in 1 hour and 43 minutes.
In the penultimate round awaits the winner of the duel between Aryna Sabalenka (1) and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (27). Paula joins a Spanish club in the Australian Open semi-final in which they were only Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Conchita Martínez and Garbiñe Muguruza. Including Lili Álvarez, she is the fifth on the verge of a final of those considered 'majors'.
I am very excited to be in a Grand Slam semifinals; It's a dream come true
Paula Badosa
After failed attempts at Roland Garros (2021), ante Tamara Zidansek; and the US Open (2024) before Emma Navarro; Paula has removed all the pressure of the black history that haunted her. “A year ago I didn't know if I could continue playing tennis because of my back,” he recalled in conclusion. He was well aware of what he had achieved and signed the chamber of achievement: “Third time's the charm“. It was also their first victory against one of the ten best on a big stage, which marks the chances of success.
Gauff has two versions: one with the first service and another with the second. The American can reach 127 kilometers per hour. And that is a gift for any rival. Badosa took advantage of it in the third game to create the first two break options. He couldn't specify them.
Coco does not have the main virtues in her shots. Yes in the physical display and its competitiveness. Equality was maintained, among other things because Paula had tips at the service of 188 kilometers per hour. That gave him peace of mind.
-Gauff complains.LUKAS COCH
Badosa had his third break point in the eleventh game, at 5-5. He won it on the net and confirmed it with a right-wing missile. He served for the set. Gauff is so used to defending that she has no attacking game. The right goes behind him. Accumulated countless unforced errors and looked at his bench asking for explanations for his erratic technique.
Her partner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, was not on the Begur tennis player's bench.because the Athenian has already returned to the Greek capital. You don't need it to win.
Gauff saved four breaking balls from her opponent in the first game of the continuation. But he couldn't with the fifth. The world number three, represented by 'Team8', Roger Federer's company, She is the highest paid athlete in the world. She is far from the best player. What never fails in her is the fight. That's why he equalized at two to lose his serve immediately afterwards.
What was most difficult for Badosa was to close the victory. He served at 5-2 and lost serve. He showed all his strength later with 5-4. A statistic marked the final outcome: The American committed 41 unforced errors compared to the 23 of the Spanish.
Secure the top 10 at the end of the tournament
Pol Toledo's pupil, right now in ninth place in the rankinghas ensured with the victory his return to the world's top 10 at the conclusion of the tournament. This circumstance had not occurred since the week of October 17, 2022.
