Merida Open Round-Up: Paula Badosa bows out injured as Emma Navarro cruises into semis
Match Report
Paula Badosa was forced to retire from her quarterfinal match against Daria Saville at the Mérida Open due to back discomfort, raising concerns ahead of Indian Wells. The Spaniard, whose back issues have been a recurring problem throughout her career, left the court visibly struggling.
On the other side of the draw, No. 10 seed Emma Navarro cruised past former champion Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. The American will now seek a spot in the final when she faces Armenian world No. 45 Elina Avanesyan on Saturday.
Badosa injury raises Indian Wells concerns
Badosa started strong against Saville, racing to a 4-0 lead in just 15 minutes after securing back-to-back breaks. Although the Australian managed to get one break back, it was not enough to change the set’s momentum. Badosa powered through, taking it 6-1 with an impressive 64% of points won on serve and 75% on return.
The Spaniard continued her dominance in the second set, securing an early break to go up 3-2. However, Saville responded immediately, leveling the score at 3-3. The Australian then took a 4-3 lead before Badosa called for a medical timeout due to back pain, leaving the court briefly.
Upon returning, her discomfort persisted. Although she managed to play one final service game, she resorted to underarm serves, visibly struggling. Saville took advantage, securing a surprise semifinal spot (1-6, 5-3, ret.) and will now face Colombian qualifier Emiliana Arango, who has just broken into the top 100 for the first time.
Navarro dominates defending champion Sonmez
Zeynep Sonmez entered the tournament as a fan favourite after winning her maiden professional title in Mérida last year when it was still a WTA 250 event. The Turkish player, who required a wildcard for the main draw, pulled off big upsets against Maria Sakkari (7-5, 6-2) and Magda Linette (6-3, 3-1, ret.) before facing Navarro.
Sonmez had a promising start, breaking Navarro in the opening game and leading 3-1. However, the American quickly found her rhythm, reeling off four consecutive games. Although she initially failed to serve out the set at 5-3, she immediately broke back to seal it 6-4.
Navarro maintained control in the second set as Sonmez’s serving struggles worsened. The Turkish player landed just 50% of her first serves and won only 37% of her service points. Navarro capitalised, securing four consecutive breaks to win 6-2 in just 38 minutes.
With a solid 73% first-serve percentage and a dominant 56% win rate on her own serve, Navarro booked her place in the semifinals, where she will take on Armenia’s Elina Avanesyan (No. 45).
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- Thank you, Boris!! Finally someone speaking common sense!! I am so sick of the stupid, ignorant comments by the players who have not READ THE FACTS!!!Rapunzel18-02-2025
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