Tennis

Paula Badosa wishes for more luck and to turn around her season in Madrid

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Paula Badosa thinks she is “lacking a bit of luck” as the former world No 2 is hoping to turn around her season at the Madrid Open.

Badosa, 25, hasn’t had much success against top players so far in 2023. 

Last week, Badosa was up by a set and a break before Aryna Sabalenka stunningly recovered to beat the Spaniard in the Stuttgart quarterfinal.

In the Miami Open third round, Badosa was also up by a set and a break against Elena Rybakina – had a match point – before losing in three sets.

In Madrid, No 26 seed Badosa plays Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round and she will likely play against sixth-ranked Cori Gauff if she wins her Madrid opener. 

Badosa: I’m lacking a bit of luck against the best 

“In matches against the best in the world I’m lacking a bit of luck for them to fall to me. My level’s good and I’m excited to play. Hopefully this week those matches go my way. I’ve been doing some great work, hopefully the turning point in the season will come in Madrid,” Badosa said.

Last week, Badosa had a 6-4 4-2 lead over Sabalenka with no breaks conceded up to that point.

Then, Badosa lost her serve in back-to-back games as Sabalenka won four games in a row to overturn a second-set deficit and force a third set.

In the third set, Sabalenka completed her comeback against Badosa. 

After the match, Sabalenka tipped Badosa to soon return to the top-10.

“It was absolutely crazy. She played unbelievable tennis today. I just tried to keep fighting, keep trying to find my game. She’s a great player and I’m sure very soon she’ll be back in top 10,” Sabalenka said of Badosa. 

It remains to be seen if Badosa can deliver high-level tennis in Madrid and make a really deep run at Caja Magica.

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