Paula Badosa had encouraging words for Coco Gauff after overcoming the American teenager in the Silicon Valley Classic quarterfinals.
Badosa came into the tournament in San Jose hoping to build some momentum after a humbling 1-6, 2-6 loss in the fourth round of this year's Wimbledon Championships to the 2019 winner, Simona Halep.
The No. 2 seed was not near her best in her opening match against Elizabeth Mandlik, but she narrowly made the quarterfinal by triumphing 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 after a grueling battle in California.
However, Badosa knew she needed a significantly improved performance to overcome Gauff. The 18-year-old reached her maiden Grand Slam final this year at the French Open, demonstrating her progress.
Badosa rose to the occasion against the teenager, though. Despite twice trailing by a break in the opening set, the Spaniard won it on a tiebreak before completing a 7-6, 6-2 win to make the semifinals.
Despite defeating Gauff, Badosa believes she has everything to become a great champion, saying the American is a great athlete but is also capable of stepping into the court and being aggressive.
"I had to be quite consistent in at the baseline. She’s a great runner; she’s aggressive; she has everything to be a great champion. But in the moment, I had to be more consistent. I’m happy about this win because it was an important one for me.”
Triumphing against a player of Gauff's class will give Badosa much confidence. Her performance in the second set was particularly impressive, and if she retains that level, it could be challenging for any player to stop her.
Badosa will play Daria Kasatkina for a place in the final. The Russian is one of the grittiest and most determined players in the women's game. Many extended rallies between the two players in their semifinal is a certainty.
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