Paula
Badosa stated that the rain delay in the DC Open final helped her release her
emotions after crying as she left the court. The 26-year-old Spaniard won her
first title in 30 months after defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to claim
her second WTA 500 title.
It was a
tough day for the former world No. 2, who had to overcome two delays in the
match, in the second and third sets, similar to what had happened throughout
much of the tournament with rain suspensions.
Badosa Claims DC Open Title
Injuries
seemed to disrupt Badosa’s career, as she hadn’t had enough consistency over
the last year. She was out of all competitions in the second half of 2023 due
to a back injury, and her return this year hadn’t yet propelled her back to the
top rankings.
After a
great week, Badosa won the title, defeating rivals such as Sofia Kenin, Emma
Raducanu, and Liudmila Samsonova along the way. In the final, she faced a
surprising Bouzkova, who had previously stunned Aryna Sabalenka.
After a
dominant first set from Badosa, which she won 6-1, a single break in the second
set made the difference for Bouzkova, who sealed the set 6-4, with a pause
included minutes before. Just before starting the third set, the umpire
declared a second rain delay before the decisive set could be played.
"I
came out of the court [after the second set] crying so much,” Badosa said.
“Really, I couldn't stop crying. My team didn't know what to do because I just
cried non-stop... I think that also helped me a bit to release my emotions
because I was really, really nervous."
Paula Badosa at 2024 Miami Open.
"Then
after crying, like, I don't know how much time... I calmed down. I changed. I'm
like, 'Paula, it's a set, just give everything you can'... It worked pretty
well. I took my opportunities. Look, I'm very proud of how I dealt with
it," she added.
Upon
returning to the court some hours later, Badosa regained control of the match
and secured the victory with a 6-4 in the third set. The Spaniard had an
exuberant reaction after winning a title again following a difficult period.
Read also
According
to Badosa, the first thing she did after winning the title was call her
boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, who had been competing that week in Paris 2024:
"Yeah, it's the first thing I did on court. I called my family and
Stefanos, of course, because I know they're always there for me. They've been
in the tough moments. They've seen me very, very down this last year,"
Badosa said.
"I
wanted to live the moments with them because of course without them I wouldn't
be here because they support me every day, 24/7. There were moments that I
didn't know what to do with my career. They were there," she added.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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