Mutua Madrid Open: Is Paula Badosa the Next Maria Sharapova?

The 23-year-old became the first wildcard entrant to reach the quarterfinals at the Mutua Madrid Open since 2017 and have now gone a step further by securing a semifinal berth. 

Published: May 5, 2021 5:27 PM IST

By India.com Sports Desk | Edited by Sajal Patra

Madrid Open, Mutual Madrid Open, MMOPEN, Paula Badosa, Maria Sharapova, WTA, Women's Tennis Association, Tennis
(Image: Twitter)

Paula Badosa has been making the headlines after securing a semifinal berth at the Mutua Madrid Open. Badosa got the better of Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinal, having won the match 6-4, 7-5 and became the first Spanish woman to make the last four in Madrid. Having got her opportunity through a wild card, Badosa seemed to be making full use of it. Her on-court antics have led many to compare her with Maria Sharapova, whom she had idolised growing up in the streets of Barcelona. 

Clay seems to be her most preferred surface, having won the French Open girls’ singles title in the year 2015 and reaching the fourth round of Roland Garros last year.  

The 23-year-old became the first wildcard entrant to reach the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open since 2017 and have now gone a step further by securing a semifinal berth.

Bencic, who was aiming for her second straight semifinal appearance, eventually fell short as Badosa kissed the clay court to celebrate her victory.

While it remains to be seen whether Badosa’s fighting spirit and form help her reach the final, but she has already done enough at the Madrid Open for the world to take note of and if the 23-year-old keeps her head in the right place, she is a star in the making.  

Badosa is all set to face the winner of the match between world number 1 Ashleigh Barty and three-time Madrid Open champion Petra Kvitová in their quarterfinal.  

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