Paula Badosa fought back from one set down to beat two-time Grand Slam singles champion Simona Halep 1-6 6-4 6-3 reaching the second round at the Miami Open.
Halep earned the first break with a backhand crosscourt winner in the third round to take a 2-1 lead. The Romanian player converted her second break point with a backhand into the open court, when Badosa was serving at 1-3. Halep saved four break points after nine deuces. Halep closed out the first set 6-1 with her third consecutive break with her crosscourt forehand winner.
Badosa broke Halep in the third game and held on her next service games to win the second set 6-4.
Badosa broke serve in the third game to take a 2-1 lead. Halep broke straight back in the fourth game to draw level to 2-2, but Badosa broke for the second time to take a 3-2 lead and held on her serve to close out the third set 6-3.
Halep finished with ten double faults and saved seven of the eleven break points.
“I missed this. I had emotions, but positive emotions. The crowd supported me so nice. The level of tennis was pretty good. I did a good job today. I am happy with my first match coming back. I would rate it as a special day today”, said Halep.
