Paula Badosa, currently ranked 115th in the WTA standings, secured a challenging victory in nearly three hours during the second round of the WTA 250 tournament in Iași. She defeated Alevtina Ibragimova, ranked 275th in the world, with a score of 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4. This match marked Ibragimova’s debut on the WTA main draw stage.
Despite her current ranking, Badosa, a former world number two, faced a formidable challenge from Ibragimova, who had already showcased her talent by coming through the qualifiers and defeating Dominika Salkova in the first round.
Badosa Struggles in the First Set
The crowd eagerly anticipated Badosa’s performance, and the match began with an unexpected break against her. Ibragimova played aggressively, racing to a 4-2 lead that included two breaks of serve. Badosa, who played with a bandage on her right thigh, struggled to find her rhythm until midway through the set. She began to find her footing with precise shots from the baseline and eventually took the lead at 6-5 after securing a couple of breaks.
The tie-break was hard-fought, but Badosa managed to clinch the first set, 7-6(5).
Incredible Comeback in the Deciding Set
However, the second set saw Badosa’s struggles intensify as Ibragimova surged to a commanding 4-0 lead, eventually taking the set 6-1. Badosa exhibited visible frustration, even slamming her racket against the net. The decisive set didn’t start favorably for her either as she lost her serve early on.
Despite facing significant pressure, Badosa fought back. With the support of her team and the crowd, she gradually pulled points back, showcasing her determination. She rallied from a 1-4 deficit, gaining momentum and ultimately winning the set 6-4. In a heartwarming moment, Badosa embraced Ibragimova at the net, relieved after the intense battle.
I was honestly at a loss for words because she played incredible tennis. I was truly amazed by her level. At the start, I didn’t feel like myself, but in the third set, I gave everything I could, and she gave even more. It was an incredible fight, and she deserves all the credit because if this is her first WTA main draw, she has a bright future ahead – Paula Badosa
