In a gripping showdown under the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena, Paula Badosa shattered expectations and World No.3 Coco Gauff’s unbeaten start to 2025 with a stunning 7-5, 6-4 victory, securing her first-ever Grand Slam semifinal spot at the Australian Open.
Paula Badosa’s journey to the top has been anything but smooth. Just a year ago, the Spaniard was grappling with a career-threatening back injury, questioning whether she’d ever step onto a court again. Now, the 27-year-old is the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year and a Grand Slam semifinalist.
This victory was nothing short of a statement. Facing the formidable Gauff, who had yet to lose this season, Badosa held her nerve in the pivotal moments. After the first 10 games went on serve, the turning point came at 5-5 in the opening set. Badosa broke Gauff, clinching the set moments later and refusing to relinquish control.
“Coco was playing insane tennis at the beginning,” Badosa said post-match. “A year ago, I didn’t know if I’d even play again. Now, I’m here, beating the best in the world. It’s surreal.”
For Badosa, this victory was a double milestone: her first win against a Top 10 opponent at a major and her first semifinal berth.
