Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek overcomes Paula Badosa to reach French Open last four
Surprise package Tamara Zidansek prevailed in a dramatic tussle with Paula Badosa to reach the semi-finals of the French Open.
The Slovenian, who had never previously been beyond the second round at a Grand Slam, was the outsider of the unexpected quarter-final line-up but she held her nerve when it counted to win 7-5, 4-6, 8-6.
Zidansek looked poised for a more comfortable victory when she led by a set and a break but Badosa fought back and led early in the decider.
Unstoppable 🚀
World No. 85 Tamara Zidansek had previously never reached R3 at a major. She’s now a Grand Slam *semi-finalist* with a 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 takedown of No.33 seed Paula Badosa. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ef0xgCQgsN
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 8, 2021
The Spaniard was also playing in her first slam quarter-final but she has won more matches than any other woman on clay this season and went into the tournament as a dark horse.
That pressure was evident for a set and a half, with Badosa struggling to play freely while Zidansek handled the occasion superbly.
The 23-year-old reached the final of a clay-court tournament in Colombia in April so had some form behind her but, at 85 in the rankings, she is certainly one of the more unexpected slam semi-finalists of reason years.
From a set and 4-2 down, Badosa began to make her power count and a run of six games in a row put her in the ascendancy. But back came Zidansek and a forehand winner gave her victory on her second match point after two hours and 26 minutes.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsAndy Murray receives Wimbledon wild card with preparations in full swing
Murray will play singles at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray gets Wimbledon wildcard as rising British star is also rewarded
Andy Murray has been announced as one of the initial recipients of a Wimbledon wild card, along with fellow Brit Jack Draper.
-
WimbledonWimbledon confirm Naomi Osaka has yet to withdraw from this year’s Championships
Wimbledon chiefs have confirmed that Naomi Osaka is still entered into the draw for this year’s Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray preparing for a tough night when Scotland play England in Euro 2020
Andy Murray is fearing a “tough” experience when he watches Scotland’s Euro 2020 clash with England on Friday.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Judy Murray urges tennis chiefs to provide mental health aid to all players after Naomi Osaka incident
Judy Murray believes game should do more to support players.
-
NewsAndy Murray admits he has been telling himself each match could be his last
After completing a routine 6-3 6-2 victory – his first singles win on home soil in 1084 days – Murray became tearful in his courtside interview.
-
Kevin Palmer‘Each match could be my last’ – Andy Murray holds back the tears after comeback win
Andy Murray did his best to contain the well of tears after his win.
-
NewsAndy Murray overcome by emotion as he makes winning return to Queen’s Club
Murray was playing first singles match on grass since 2018.
-
NewsDan Evans eyes ‘a few more wins’ at Queen’s Club after ending his long wait for a win
It was the British No 1’s first win at the venue since 2014.