Badosa stages dramatic comeback against Raducanu to reach DC Open semifinals

Paula Badosa (No. 62) had a great comeback against Emma Raducanu (No. 89), winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals of the Mubadala DC Open. In a clash between two players aiming to return to the upper echelons of the rankings, the Spaniard emerged victorious, reaching her first semifinals since 2023.

The former Indian Wells champion ensured a new ranking ascent and returns to the top-50, marking her best performance in the past year. Now she prepares to face local favorite Caroline Dolehide (No. 49), who recently defeated Amanda Anisimova.

Raducanu quickly secured a break in the first game, giving her some comfort while Badosa appeared inconsistent at the start. The Brit held onto her lead with strong service games and repeatedly threatened Badosa’s serve, although the Spaniard managed to keep the gap narrow.

Badosa had just a 40% first-serve percentage throughout the set, though with a high effectiveness of 88%, totaling 3 aces and 5 double faults. Raducanu, meanwhile, maintained better balance with a 60% first-serve percentage, winning 73% of those points, with one ace and one double fault. Raducanu did not face any break points and secured the set 6-4.

Badosa picked up the pace in the second set, although she continued to struggle with her first serve. Nevertheless, she won 76% of her service points, clearly dominating when it was her turn to serve. Raducanu saved a break point in the 4th game, but neither could generate much threat on return for several minutes.

When it seemed the set would go to a tie-break, Raducanu made a couple of unforced errors under pressure. On her third set point, Badosa converted her first break of the match, enough to take the set 7-5 and force a decider.

Raducanu secured an early break and quickly led 2-0, making a comeback from Badosa seem unlikely. However, the resilience of the former world No. 2 shone through once more as she broke back in the 6th game to level the match as the tension increased.

Badosa saved three break points and then took advantage of a single opportunity to break and lead 5-3, giving her the chance to close out the win on her serve. After missing one match point, Raducanu broke back, extending the tension in Washington.

However, Raducanu couldn't hold her serve, and after two hours and 55 minutes, Badosa broke again to seal the win 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and advance to the semifinals. She will face Caroline Dolehide (No. 49), who comfortably defeated Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals.