Paula Badosa has become the first Spanish woman in six years to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open after easing her way past Yafan Wang.
The 26-year-old produced a solid 6-1, 6-2, victory on the Louis Armstrong Court to reach the last eight of a Grand Slam for the second time in her career after the 2021 French Open. Despite the seemingly straightforward score, Badosa was tested at times by her rival but managed to come out on top in all the pressure moments. Overall, she hit 26 winners and saved all eight break points she faced.
“It was a battle and I remember seeing the minutes. I’m like, it’s only two games in 17 and it’s so humid. I thought I was going to die here today but I knew it was going to be worth it,” Badosa said after the match.
“I remember thinking, okay, she’s tough, but I’m tougher. And if she and I have to stay here for three hours, I will.
“I knew I had to step in and go for it, and it worked really well.”
Badosa got off to a dream start by breaking for a 3-0 lead after 23 minutes of play. Initially, both players were competitive on the court but Wang’s lackluster serve and a lull in her hitting speed paved the way for her rival to dictate proceedings as she went on to claim three out of the next four games with ease to seal the opening set.
Wang, who has beaten Maria Sakkari (via retirement) and Victoria Azarenka earlier in the tournament, put up more of a fight in the second frame – winning two consecutive service games after dropping the opening point in each of them. However, it did little to tame a fiery Badosa who broke yet again by hitting a blistering forehand winner to move ahead 3-2. Cruising to victory, she closed the match out with a forehand cross-court winner.
The resurgence comes just months after Badosa was told by medical officials it would be tough for her to continue playing due to a serious back issue. Last year she suffered a stress fracture in her back and was forced to end her season early. In the coming months, she relied on injections to help prolong her career.
“Last year I was here I had to withdraw. I couldn’t play in the tournament. So for me, it was really sad.” She said.
“Being back here a year after with my best result in a slam, it’s a dream come true.
“I said in interviews a few months ago, I was thinking of quitting this sport because I stopped believing in myself and my injury wasn’t responding. So being back as one of the best players in the world, it’s a dream come true.”
Now bouncing back from adversity and moving freely around the court, Badosa is a win away from reaching the last four in Flushing Meadows. Something that hasn’t been achieved by a Spanish woman in the tournament since Conchita Martinez in 1996.
Standing in her way of that milestone will be either reigning champion Coco Gauff or Emma Navarro. Two players who she has a high amount of respect for.
“I’m really good friends with both of them. I love them both.” Said Badosa.
“Coco is amazing and she’s so inspiring at such a young age. I love watching her and she’s a champion. We always have battles, so it would be a great match against her.
“Against Emma, she’s so humble and has an amazing talent. So it’s going to be another battle.
“I hope today they have a good match and the best one wins, but I really love them both.”
It is the first time Badosa has made back-to-back quarter-finals at WTA events on a hardcourt since 2022.
