Following her well-earned victory in the first round of the 2025 Qatar Open, Spaniard Paula Badosa joins some of her WTA compatriots in the history books.
The former World No.2 defeated Mexican Renata Zarazua in their first round clash in Doha, recording a 6-3 4-6 6-2 victory to advance to the second round. Awaiting Badosa is big-hitting American Amanda Anisimova, who defeated two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka to book her spot in the next round.
The 27-year old joins an exclusive list of Spanish players to win 50 matches at WTA 1000 events. Ever since the introduction of the WTA 1000 format in 2009, only two Spaniards had won at least 50 matches at that level; two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza and former top 10 player Carlos Suarez Navarro.
Badosa had spent the last two years dealing with several injuries, making only sporadic appearances on tour. However, she appears to be undergoing a resurgence of sorts.
The WTA star reached the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open, defeating former US Open champion Coco Gauff but falling to two-time defending Melbourne champion Aryna Sabalenka. Although the Spaniard suffered a shock early round exit in Abu Dhabi, her recent return to form indicates she could be slowly climbing her way back up the rankings.