Paula Badosa has finally broken through to a Grand Slam semi-final after defeating world No. 3 Coco Gauff in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, at the Australian Open. But for the fiery Spaniard, this achievement is only a step in her relentless pursuit of a Grand Slam title.
“I’m never going to feel freedom until I win the tournament,” Badosa declared after her victory. “That’s just who I am. Reaching the semi-finals doesn’t change that. I step on the court, no matter who is across the net, and I want to win so badly.”
Badosa battles back from injury and doubt
Badosa’s road to this career milestone has been anything but smooth. Once ranked as high as No. 2 in the world, she plummeted out of the top 50 last year due to persistent injuries, including a chronic back issue that left her contemplating retirement.
“There was a point last year where I was very close to walking away,” Badosa admitted. “I just didn’t see myself performing at the level I knew I could. It was mentally draining.”
In a last-ditch effort, Badosa revamped her team after the Madrid Open, bringing in a new fitness coach and nutritionist. The gamble paid off. Through tailored exercises and supplements, her back began to heal, and her confidence returned.
“Here I am,” she said, brimming with pride. “What we went through as a team and how we fought through it, especially mentally, makes this moment so much more rewarding.”
A clash with destiny looms
Badosa’s win over Gauff was a testament to her resilience. While Gauff struggled with 41 unforced errors, Badosa capitalized on her opponent’s mistakes with precision and determination, ending Gauff’s 11-match winning streak.
Next up for the Spaniard is either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Adding intrigue to the potential matchup with Sabalenka is their close friendship—a bond that will be set aside in the heat of competition.
“When I’m in the final rounds, my level rises. I want to give 100% and leave it all on the court,” Badosa said of the challenge ahead.
Eyes on the prize
Despite reaching a career milestone, Badosa is laser-focused on the ultimate goal. The 25-year-old knows that anything short of a championship will leave her unfulfilled.
Her journey from near-retirement to Grand Slam contender serves as a reminder of the grit and determination required to succeed at the highest level of tennis.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Badosa said. “But this isn’t where I stop. I’m here to win.”
