Paula Badosa defeated Jessica Pegula at the China Open but you would not have thought that she did not want to play against her based on her most recent performance.
The Spaniard reached the quarter-finals in Beijing for the first time by securing a comprehensive victory over Pegula, the US Open runner-up.
Since 2023 Badosa has suffered some nightmare injuries to her adductor while also experiencing a chronic back issue.
But she has begun to find her form again in recent months and is on a mission to secure her fifth WTA title in what is her first appearance at the China Open.
Why does Paula Badosa not like to face Jessica Pegula?
Paula Badosa had faced Jessica Pegula on three previous occasions before their clash at the China Open. Each of those encounters had taken place in the United States, and the World number three emerged victorious each time.
Their most recent contest came in August in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals, a match which Pegula claimed in three sets. This was the first Badosa won a set off the American, and this set her up well for the performance at the China Open.
After Pegula served three successive aces to hold for 4-4 in the first set, she did not win another game as Badosa wrapped up a 6-4, 6-0 win in just one hour and four minutes. Badosa was delighted with the win but admitted Pegula is an opponent she dreads seeing on the other side of the net.
“She’s one the of the players I never want to face — she’s very solid, hits very flat, changes very well direction, so I knew it was going to be tough,” the former World number two said post-match.
“Yesterday I prepared myself for a battle, but I think today everything worked pretty well. I was moving well, my backhand, my forehand was there today, and I fought.
“Every point was very important for me, especially against Jessica, because she can come back at any moment; I’m really happy for this win, honestly.”
Who will Paula Badosa play next?
Badosa has been one of the team’s in-form players since the start of the North American hard court season in August.
She won the Citi Open after receiving a wildcard and reached the quarter-finals at the US Open. Badosa has taken that form into the China Open and she will face the resurgent Zhang Shuai in the last eight.
The Chinese star ended a 24-match win streak in front of her home fans and has now won four successive matches.
Badosa will take on the home favourite for the first time in what is expected to be an exciting matchup.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
