Paula Badosa (No. 62) and Marie
Bouzkova (No. 43) emerged victorious in their matches and will face each other
in the final of the Mubadala DC Open. Both players will play their first final of
the season.
In the first match of the day, the
Spaniard was dominant from the start, securing a straightforward victory over
Caroline Dolehide (No. 49). Later, Bouzkova stunned Aryna Sabalenka (No. 3) in
a match marked by a rain delay that shifted the momentum in favor of the Czech
player.
Badosa storms into the final
The former world No. 2 entered the
tournament thanks to a wildcard and has not disappointed in what has been her
best tournament of the season. Badosa has struggled with injuries and
inconsistency over the past year, keeping her away from title contention, but
this week she demonstrated that she is ready to return to the spotlight.
Read also
In a dominant performance, the
Spaniard excelled in the crucial moments of the match, showcasing her prowess
against American Caroline Dolehide. In the first set, a single break in the 6th
game was enough to secure the set 6-3. With an effective serve, Badosa overcame
some break points against her to gain an advantage over her opponent.
In the second set, she was even more
solid, conceding just five points on her serve throughout the set. Badosa won
59% of the points in the second set, securing two breaks that led to an
important 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Badosa will aim to maintain her
perfect 3-0 record in finals, reaching this stage for the first time in 30
months since her title at the Sydney International against Barbora Krejcikova.
She has also guaranteed at least a ranking of world No. 44, and with a title
win, she could return to the top-40, approaching the seeded positions just
weeks before the US Open.
Paula Badosa will play her first final since January, 2022.
Bouzkova shocks Sabalenka
Marie Bouzkova (No. 43) won a
hard-fought match against Sabalenka (No. 3) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The Czech player
secured her third victory against a top-3 opponent and guaranteed a rise of
seven positions to world No. 36. The 26-year-old will play the sixth final of
her career, though she has only one professional title so far, from the 2022
Prague Open.
At the start of the match, Sabalenka
was inconsistent, committing several unforced errors, while Bouzkova remained
steady with her serve. The Czech player secured two consecutive breaks and
quickly led 4-0. Sabalenka later saved a set point and seemed to mount a
comeback by recovering one of the breaks, but Bouzkova ultimately closed the
set with her serve 6-4.
The 2-time Grand Slam champion did
not give up, increasing her serve effectiveness in the second set, winning 87%
of points on her first serve and 70% on her second. Bouzkova struggled
particularly with a 33% effectiveness on her second serve. A single break by
Sabalenka in the 4th game was enough to send the match to a third set.
Sabalenka secured a break in the
third game and took a 2-1 lead when the match was paused due to rain. The delay
disrupted the rhythm of the match, and upon resumption, both players struggled
with their serve. However, Sabalenka was more affected, as she was broken three
consecutive times, allowing Bouzkova to close the match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and
secure her place in the tournament final.
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
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
