Paula Badosa opens up on Emma Raducanu friendship ahead of crunch Washington clash

Oli Dickson Jefford 02 Aug 2024 2:02 PM

Paula Badosa and Emma Raducanu play in Washington.

Paula Badosa has revealed she has regular “chats” with Emma Raducanu ahead of a crunch meeting between the two at the Citi D.C. Open in Washington.

Former world No 2 Badosa and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu will play for a place in the last four of the WTA 500 event on Friday night, with both having picked up impressive results earlier in the tournament.

Spanish star Badosa beat Sofia Kenin in straight sets in round one, before reaching the last eight after third seed Liudmila Samsonova retired a set down in round two.

Meanwhile, Raducanu battled past eighth seed Elise Mertens in three sets to start her campaign, before sealing a quarter-final spot with a win over Peyton Stearns.

The pair are regularly seen practising together on tour, and after her round two result, Badosa opened up about the close relationship between the WTA stars.

“With her, honestly we spoke a lot,” said Badosa.

“We had chats even off court. We went for lunch, for breakfast. We spoke a lot about how tough it is to deal with all these expectations – especially in her case.

“I had a little bit of the same in my career. Especially when you feel that anything you do, it’s going to be crazy on social media. In her case, it’s like that.

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“I think she’s dealing with it pretty well now. She’s found a balance. It’s never going to be easy in her case because, as I say, anything she does, it’s going to get crazy.

“But it’s part of it. I think she has to find the beautiful part of it. That’s what I’m trying to find also.

“Of course, we talk about it. It’s nice that we can share our own experiences.”

The two know each other well, but this will be the first official WTA-level match between the two – and Badosa is not underestimating the task at hand.

Badosa added: “I practised with her a few times.

“Especially here, I think these conditions, these balls – and she proved it also a few years ago with the US Open – it suits her very well. She’s a very fast player. She has a very fast eye also. She changes directions really well.

“And she’s playing great. I mean, since Wimbledon she was showing a very high level. I think mentally she’s in a good place also. I’m expecting a tough match there.

“I’ve never faced her. I know it’s going to be a challenge, especially in these conditions. I hope it’s a fun match. She’s a great girl also.

“I hope it’s fun to watch also for the fans -I’ll try to bring my best.”