Paula Badosa’s stunning comeback: 9 wins in a row secure US Open main draw return
WTASunday, 19 July 2026 at 08:30
Paula Badosa’s remarkable resurgence reached another milestone on Saturday as the Spaniard secured her return to the WTA Top 100 and guaranteed direct entry into the US Open main draw.
The former world No. 2 battled past Tamara Zidansek 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1) in a dramatic semifinal at the WTA 250 Iasi Open, overcoming a major challenge to extend her winning streak to nine consecutive matches.
Just one week ago, Badosa was facing the possibility of entering the US Open qualifying draw after dropping outside the Top 100 for the first time in years. Now, after a title run in WTA 125 Bastad and another final appearance in Iasi, she has completely changed the direction of her season.
The victory also marked Badosa’s first WTA-level final since August 2024, putting her one win away from a fifth career title. She remains perfect in championship matches, having won all four finals she previously contested.
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Badosa’s latest victory followed the pattern of her entire week in Romania: resilience under pressure. The Spaniard struggled early against Zidansek, who entered the semifinal on a 10-match winning streak of her own, and dropped the opening set 6-3.
The Slovenian was also twice close to closing out the match, serving for the victory at 5-4 in the second set and again at 6-5 in the deciding set. However, Badosa refused to let the opportunity slip away, breaking both times before dominating the final-set tiebreak.
The win also carried extra meaning after their previous meeting. Zidansek defeated Badosa in the 2021 Roland Garros quarterfinals in their only previous encounter, winning an epic three-set battle 8-6 in the deciding set.
Badosa is seeking her fifth career title. She won all four finals she has contested so far, the last one back at the 2024 DC Open.
Paula Badosa’s 9-Match Winning Streak (Bastad 125 & Iasi Open)
| Tournament | Round | Opponent | Opponent Ranking | Score |
| Bastad 125 | Round of 32 | Marina Bassols Ribera | No. 144 | 6-3, 6-2 |
| Bastad 125 | Round of 16 | Emiliana Arango | No. 97 | 6-3, 6-2 |
| Bastad 125 | Quarterfinal | Varvara Lepchenko | No. 175 | 7-5, 7-6(3) |
| Bastad 125 | Semifinal | Yulia Putintseva | No. 84 | 6-1, 6-2 |
| Bastad 125 | Final | Simona Waltert | No. 90 | 7-5, 7-5 |
| Iasi Open | Round of 32 | Anhelina Kalinina | No. 59 | 6-3, 6-1 |
| Iasi Open | Round of 16 | Alevtina Ibragimova | No. 275 | 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4 |
| Iasi Open | Quarterfinal | Panna Udvardy | No. 71 | 6-4, 7-6(2) |
| Iasi Open | Semifinal | Tamara Zidansek | No. 148 | 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1) |
| Iasi Open | Final | Mayar Sherif | No. 97 | - |
From Bastad champion to US Open contender
Badosa’s turnaround began immediately after Wimbledon, where she suffered a first-round exit and decided to compete at the WTA 125 event in Bastad. The decision proved crucial, as she won the tournament without dropping a set to claim her first title in more than two years.
That run gave her the confidence and ranking boost needed to fight for a place back among the elite. Entering Iasi outside the Top 100, every victory carried additional importance with the US Open entry deadline approaching.
Her semifinal victory virtually guaranteed her return to the Top 100, with her ranking projected around No. 93. A title on Sunday against Mayar Sherif could push her even higher, potentially near No. 75.
After months interrupted by injuries and uncertainty, Badosa now arrives at the North American hard-court swing with renewed momentum and a place secured at Flushing Meadows.
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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mandoist10-07-2026 - "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
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