During a lively Miami Open encounter, Paula Badosa's spirited interaction with a ball boy stole the show while opponent Laura Siegemund sought medical attention.
The entertaining clash unfolded over three sets, with Badosa ultimately securing her place in the WTA 1000 tournament's third round. The match kicked off with a tight first set, concluding in a tiebreaker favoring Badosa, who maintained her composure following Siegemund's extensive 10-minute toilet break.
As the German competitor staged a comeback, claiming the second set, both players ramped up their intensity heading into the decider. Badosa quickly established a 3-0 lead, sparking frustration in Siegemund, who requested a time violation for her opponent's serve.
Badosa countered with exuberant celebrations after each point, asserting her dominance on the court. Nevertheless, Siegemund strategically halted Badosa's momentum by calling for a medical timeout.
With the match at a standstill, the Spanish player and former world no. 2 opted to engage in a lighthearted rally with a ball boy, ensuring she stayed nimble and warmed up during the break. The crowd at Butch Buchholz Court reveled in the unexpected entertainment as the pair exchanged shots.
Siegemund's return to the court proved insufficient to derail Badosa's determination, as the Spaniard clinched the final set and advanced to the third round with a 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-2 victory.
The memorable match showcased Badosa's sportsmanship and playful spirit, delighting fans and solidifying her status as a crowd favorite. For the ballboy, it will also be a memorable moment, which he will look back on in the future, as not everyone gets to play on the court during a professional tennis tournament.
In the next round, she can give the crowd in Miami another reason to cheer, as she'll take on the winner of the match between the tenth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who is the reigning Wimbledon champion, and Anna Kalinskaya.
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