Photo: Getty Images
Paula Badosa's aspirations in Bad Homburg came to an unexpected halt. After showcasing promising form in her first two matches, the Catalan tennis star faced a bitter end on Thursday, falling to Russia's Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals with scores of 6-3, 7-6(3). The match was notably disrupted by rain for over an hour at the end of the first set.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
Badosa, a former world No. 2, began the match with confidence but struggled with her serve, a weakness that Shnaider capitalized on to clinch the first set 6-3. The rain delay did little to shift the momentum in Badosa's favor.
The Struggle Continues
Upon resumption, Badosa found herself quickly down 3-0 after losing her serve again. Despite a spirited comeback to level the set and force a tiebreak, her inconsistency proved costly.
"It meant a lot to reach the quarterfinals again," Badosa reflected, acknowledging her return to this stage for the first time since Rome in 2023.
A Step Forward Despite the Loss
This tournament marked Badosa's first since Roland Garros and confirmed her re-entry into the top 100 rankings, a crucial milestone given her limited opportunities with a protected ranking due to injury. An invitation from the event organizers provided a much-needed boost to her career trajectory.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With her sights now set on Wimbledon, Badosa is poised for the next challenge. The draw, set to take place in London this Friday, will determine her path in the prestigious tournament.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
Tennis
Anastasia Firman won her first doubles title at the ITF W15 KamenTennis
Lyudmila Kichenok and Alena Ostapenko are ready for the battle for the title at the WTA 500 in EastbourneTennis
Gael Monfils lost to Alejandro Tabilo in a dramatic semi-final in MallorcaTennis
Eight Ukrainian tennis players at Wimbledon: chances and challenges against the background of the warTennis
Wimbledon 2023: Djokovic's Bold Comeback and Alcaraz's Favorable DrawTennis
Dabrowski and Routliffe Triumph in Eastbourne Doubles SemifinalsTennis
Serhii Stakhovsky: From tennis to war - the path of the former number one racket of UkraineTennis
Eight Ukrainian tennis players at Wimbledon 2024: a historic moment for UkraineTennis
Serhii Stakhovsky: "Most Russian tennis players passively support the war in Ukraine"Tennis
Love on the Court: Tennis Power Couples at Wimbledon 2024Tennis
Alena Ostapenko ends her performance at the tournament in Eastbourne after a curious serveTennis
Emma Raducanu Shocks Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne ThrillerTennis
Shocking Double Fault by Jelena Ostapenko Stuns Tennis FansTennis
Bautista and Monfils Set for Thrilling Quarterfinal Clash at Mallorca ChampionshipsTennis
Daria Snigur made a triumphant start in qualifying for Wimbledon-2024Tennis
"Marta Kostyuk: From tennis courts to Vogue lenses"Tennis
Angelina Kalinina confidently starts the WTA 500 tournament in Eastbourne, defeating Soran KirstyaTennis
Iga Swiatek Dominates Women's Tennis Rankings Amidst StabilityTennis
Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon Comeback: Will the Knee Hold Up?Tennis
Andy Murray Withdraws from Wimbledon After Spinal Cyst SurgeryTennis
Zhinzhen Zhang Advances to Halle Semifinals, Set to Face World No. 1 Jannik SinnerTennis
Diego Forlan's Stunning Transition: From Football Legend to Tennis Contender