Paula Badosa shocked Coco Gauff at the Australian Open to qualify for her first Grand Slam semi-final, just 12 months after fearing she would have to retire from tennis.
The Spaniard, spent almost two years struggling with back problems and fell to 140th in the rankings
But, after a strong end to 2024, Badosa’s comeback continued in sensational fashion as she ended American Gauff’s 13-match winning streak with a 7-5 6-4 victory.
“I’m a bit emotional – as you know, I’m a very emotional person,” said Badosa.
“I’ve been through a lot. I was in the past one of the best players in the world but I think now I’m a better player.”
Badosa was named the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2024 after recovering from a stress fracture in her spine that saw her miss two of the four majors in 2023.
The 27-year-old won her first title in over two years at August’s Washington Open before reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open a month later.
“A year ago I was here with my back and I didn’t know if I had to retire from this sport,” 11th seed Badosa said.
“Now I’m here playing against the best in the world. I won today, I’m in the semi-finals.
“I will never think that a year after I would be here. This is a dream come true.”
