Paula Badosa has stunned the tennis world, knocking out third seed Coco Gauff with a remarkable 7-5, 6-4 victory at the Australian Open. This win marks Badosa’s first-ever entry to the semifinals of any Grand Slam, solidifying her status as one of the top competitors on the circuit.
The match, held at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, was nothing short of thrilling. It took just 1 hour and 43 minutes for Badosa, the 11th seed, to defeat the 20-year-old Gauff, who was riding high after winning the 2023 US Open and had entered the tournament with considerable momentum. But Gauff, who had previously been on a 13-match winning streak, struggled with unforced errors—totaling 41—throughout the match.
"Emotional, I’m a bit emotional," Badosa said during her post-match interview. "This was very tough to overcome, but today I came here wanting to play my best game—and I think I did it." After clinching the victory, she fell to the court, overwhelmed by the applause of the crowd, symbolizing not only the match’s end but the culmination of her hard work and perseverance.
Badosa’s path to victory was paved with intense rallies and decisive breaks. After ten games where both players held serve, she seized her first break at 5-5 with clutch volleys, allowing her to close out the first set. Gauff found herself outmatched and unable to respond effectively as Badosa maintained control throughout the match, securing another break early in the second set.
This performance is particularly significant for Badosa, who has battled chronic back injuries over the past year. "A year ago, I was here with my back injury, not knowing if I had to retire from this sport," she reflected. Reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open is not just about winning for Badosa; it's about overcoming her obstacles and demonstrating her capabilities on the grand stage.
The Spaniard’s victory is also her first against a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam, reaching new heights just months after being ranked as low as No. 150. This win against Gauff had added poignancy as Badosa had previously lost to her twice, spurring her determination to exact revenge.
Gauff’s defeat marks the end of her promising run at this tournament. Despite her early lead, Gauff found herself stranded, unable to regain momentum as Badosa relentlessly pursued every point. Gauff commented on her match, stating, "I was playing well prior, and it looked like I had the match under control, but Paula kept coming back strong. I just didn’t adapt well today."
Badosa's next match will be against either Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and two-time defending champion, or 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for the chance to advance to the final. This upcoming challenge looms large, but Badosa's confidence is palpable as she steps forward as one of the tournament’s standout players.
This match was intense not just on the scoreboard but also reflected the personal stakes for both players. For Gauff, it was disappointing to bow out early—she will head home without the trophy, having hoped to replicate her past successes at major tournaments. Yet for Badosa, this victory is emblematic of her resilience and commitment, making it clear: she’s back and ready to make history.
While the 2025 Australian Open has been characterized by thrilling matches and upsets, Badosa's victory stands out as particularly momentous. Not only does it highlight her extraordinary comeback, but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the sport, where established stars can fall to up-and-coming talents.
With newfound respect earned and confidence soaring, Paula Badosa is now just two matches away from Grand Slam glory. The semifinals await, and if this match was any indication, she could very well be capable of going all the way.