Paula Badosa delivered a stunning performance at the French Open, overcoming former World No.1 Naomi Osaka in a fiercely contested first-round battle. The Spanish star fought back after losing the opening set to win 6-7 (1), 6-1, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier, advancing in what was one of the most anticipated early-round matches of the tournament.
Badosa started strong with a smart mix of serves, including a wide delivery that gave her the upper hand in the early rallies. Though she dropped the first set in a one-sided tie-break, she came roaring back with heavy groundstrokes and sharper movement in the second set, which she took 6-1 in just 24 minutes.
The match, lasting two hours and 21 minutes, showcased Badosa’s resilience, especially after a challenging year dealing with a chronic back injury. Doctors had once warned her she might need to end her career prematurely. However, the 26-year-old Spaniard defied expectations, making an impressive comeback that included a semi-final run at the Australian Open and now a strong start in Paris.
Badosa’s physical conditioning was evident, as she served bigger than Osaka with an average speed of 173 kmph and committed only half as many unforced errors. She won a total of 109 points compared to Osaka’s 89, and converted five break points against Osaka’s two.
Osaka, who has been on the comeback trail after her maternity break in early 2024, started confidently and won the first set tie-break decisively. Despite her limited success on clay courts, she pushed Badosa hard, even gaining an early break in the final set. Yet Badosa clawed back, breaking in the seventh game and holding serve in a crucial nine-minute game to maintain her lead.
In her post-match interview, Badosa expressed gratitude for overcoming both physical and mental barriers, saying, “I tried to stay focused like a robot in the important moments. These are the matches I’ve trained my mind for.”
The Spaniard also drew inspiration from Rafael Nadal, saying she looked at his footprints on the court for motivation after losing the first set. “Come on, Paula, you have to fight like him,” she told herself—words that clearly sparked a turnaround.
This win marks another milestone in Badosa’s return to elite tennis, highlighting her determination, endurance, and fighting spirit against a formidable opponent in Naomi Osaka.
