“I grew up following Simona”: Paula Badosa explains why Iasi feels like home after winning debut
WTAWednesday, 15 July 2026 at 04:30
Paula Badosa continued her comeback at the WTA 250 Iasi Open with a special connection to Romania, revealing that she grew up following local tennis legend Simona Halep and that their relationship has made her feel almost like a home player. The Spaniard also started her campaign with a dominant victory over fourth seed Anhelina Kalinina, winning 6-3, 6-1 in her opening match.
The result extended Badosa’s impressive run on clay to six consecutive victories after she claimed the WTA 125 Nordea Open title last week. More importantly, the win represented another step in her attempt to return to the WTA Top 100 and secure a place in the main draw of the US Open.
Badosa arrived in Iasi knowing that every match could be crucial for her ranking situation. Currently outside the top 100, the former world No. 2 needs a strong week in Romania to improve her chances of direct entry into the New York Grand Slam before the ranking deadline.
Beyond the numbers, however, Badosa has found an emotional connection with the tournament. The Spaniard recalled her admiration for Halep, her previous memories in Iasi, and why the atmosphere in Romania has made her feel welcomed from the moment she stepped on court.
“I grew up following Simona”: Badosa explains her special connection with Romania
After her straight-set victory over Kalinina, Badosa spoke about the influence Halep had on her as a young player and why competing in Romania feels different compared to other tournaments on the calendar.
“Today, I felt really good here. As I said on court, I grew up following Simona (Halep)," Badosa said in press conference. "She was one of my idols, and now we have a great relationship. Honestly, I feel that we are very connected."
The Spaniard explained that the similarities between Spanish and Romanian cultures have helped her feel comfortable in the country, even describing the atmosphere in Iasi as something close to a home tournament. “Spanish and Romanian cultures are also quite similar. Today, I felt a little like a local player, and I was really happy about that,” she added.
Badosa also reflected on her previous memories in Iasi, particularly her match against Rybakina, who won the tournament after defeating her and later captured her first WTA title. “I remember playing here once. As I said before, I lost to Rybakina, who went on to win the tournament and claim her first WTA title. I will never forget that.”
Simona Halep vs Paula Badosa – Head-to-Head (2-1)
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Score |
| 2022 | Madrid Open | 2R | Simona Halep | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2022 | Wimbledon | 4R | Simona Halep | 6-1, 6-2 |
| 2024 | Miami Open | 1R | Paula Badosa | 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 |
“I’m finally winning matches”: Badosa’s comeback gains momentum
Beyond the emotional connection with Romania, Badosa’s focus remains on rebuilding her ranking and recovering the confidence that made her one of the best players in the world.
The Spaniard admitted that recent results have started to reflect the level she has been searching for after a difficult period affected by injuries. Her title run last week in Sweden and her victory in Iasi have given her valuable momentum on clay. “In Boston, I was playing well. I’ve been playing well over the past week, so now I’m finally winning matches and slowly getting where I want to be.”
The victory over Kalinina moved Badosa four places up to No. 111 in the live rankings, bringing her closer to the Top 100. A semifinal appearance in Iasi would provisionally place her back inside the elite group, while a final or title run would likely secure her return.
Badosa now turns her attention to Russian qualifier Alevtina Ibragimova in the round of 16, as she continues her push toward a Top 100 comeback and a place in the main draw of the US Open.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Well done to the author of this article!! A meltdown is what Coco experienced at the US Open the year she was chirping at her box, very near to tears, double faults were in great supply and she simply could not get a handle on that match. THAT AP is a meltdown!!Rapunzel12-07-2026
- This sensible approach helped Muchova... and look where she will find herself tomorrow (Wimbledon Final). Iga's wise to escape... especially to Nature and so. The wilderness (forests, lakes, mountains) has been my "Church" and escape from The Noise since I was a kid. She'll do well in the end.
mandoist10-07-2026 - "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
- This one has totally lost the plot. She is about to cross the racism line in her hatred for Russian people. NEWSFLASH DARLING -- Russian majority of citizens (and your ex-Colleagues whom you shamed) are not who you should be aiming at. Grow up.mandoist08-07-2026
- Why do all these "experts" feel the need to publicly "tell players" what they need to do, or what they're doing wrong?? How about this -- if you're so concerned with a player's situation actually take the time to contact the team in question and talk directly to them. Yapping in public media is rarely, if ever, helpful.mandoist07-07-2026
- Gee... preferential treatment all the way to the end? STOP IT WTA & WIMPLEDON !!! This entire WILLIAMS CHARADE is 100% unfair to young upcoming players who legitimately earned a shot at a Wildcard. The whole scenario with these freebies to The Williams' is pathetic and barely within the rules (which have been bent like a pretzel to accomodate them). The lamest excuse this time is "...she is a top draw". How does that apply to Wimbledon which is sold-out in advance? Stop enabling this abhorrent "Look at me" behavior. If they want to make believe they can compete -- LET THEM PLAY QUAILIFIERS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.mandoist06-07-2026
- Is it not clear there is a mental issue here? I mean, her judgement is very suspect given her personal life 'experiences'.mandoist06-07-2026
- Are you kidding me with this soft "article"??? WTF?? Djerkovic should be DISQUALIFIED just as anyone else at WimPledon would have been for his behavior!! So what you should be writing about is how the stuffed shirts on Wimpledon's executive board and ATP can no longer hide, nor lie about, their FAVORITISM. We now have seen (and heard) that, as in politics and world of CEO's, "who" you are can afford Elitists the luxury of escaping the usual penalties according to their own bona fide rules/reg's. Not totally surprising coming from organizations which perform special rule-breaking stunts as giving the undeserving, unranked Williams' some young upcoming player's Wildcards. Neither Williams earned these WC's... let them enter via Qualifiers like anyone else!!!mandoist06-07-2026
- Real fans of the sport, that's who.mandoist06-07-2026
- I agree with Reilly, who cares about doubles reallySakkariFan2305-07-2026
Loading