Paula Badosa +30 in WTA Rankings after ‘special’ Wimbledon run continues
Paula Badosa revealed that her Wimbledon run was the most “special” Grand Slam display of her career as she defied repeated injury heartbreak to reach round four.
Former world No 2 and 2021 Indian Wells champion Badosa is down at 93rd in the WTA Rankings and was outside the top 100 earlier this season, following a torrid spell with injuries.
The 26-year-old has largely struggled with a back issue since the start of 2023, forcing withdrawals from last year’s Australian Open and French Open events, and a round two retirement at Wimbledon.
Earlier this year, the issue continued to hamper her – notably in her Stuttgart meeting with Aryna Sabalenka – and she revealed that doctors had warned she may not be able to continue her career.
However, the Spaniard has turned a corner in recent weeks and is back in the fourth round of Wimbledon for the third time in her career.
Badosa began her campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Karolina Muchova – also on the comeback trail after injury issues – before a 6-4, 6-2 win over Brenda Fruhvirtova in round two.
But the most impressive win of her campaign so far came on Friday afternoon over 14th seed and former SW19 quarter-finalist Daria Kasatkina.
In an epic battle, Badosa battled her way to a 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 victory against the Russian, and was visibly emotional on the court after reaching the second week of a Slam for the first time since Wimbledon 2022.
“Against Dasha, it’s always a battle. She’s such a great player, she’s been in the top for so many years,” she said.
“For me, it’s special. I know it’s not my first time in the second week of a Slam but I think this is the most special one because a few months ago I didn’t know if I would be able to play tennis anymore, so being here today is special.”
The Spaniard was forced to use her protected ranking to enter the women’s singles main draw this year, but her run to the fourth round has handed her a timely rankings boost.
Badosa is projected to jump 30 spots to world No 63 in the WTA Live Rankings, with the rankings officially updating on July 15th – once the tournament is complete.
She will now look to go one better than her previous two runs and reach a first quarter-final at the All England Club – and just a second Grand Slam quarter-final of her career, after reaching that stage at the 2021 French Open.
Badosa was beaten by Muchova in straight sets in the fourth round in 2021, before a similar loss to former champion Simona Halep in 2022.
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