Paula Badosa makes astonishing retirement claims after reaching the US Open fourth round

Paula Badosa is set to play Wang Yafan in the US Open Round of 16 and will be seeking to reach her second Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Paula Badosa makes astonishing retirement claims after reaching the US Open fourth round

Paula Badosa at the US Open (via X)

Paula Badosa is starting to enjoy tennis again, having made it to the Round of 16 at the US Open. It’s been an astonishing run of results for her, especially considering she won only 11 of her first 22 matches this season without any quarterfinal appearances.

After completing a full set of Round of 16 appearances in each Grand Slam today (August 30), Badosa made some surprising remarks about nearly retiring earlier this year. The Spaniard had been struggling with her form and motivation on the court.

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Yeah, I mean, the low point for me was at the middle of the season...There was moments, especially after Madrid, that I didn't know what to do. In my mind I was thinking, like, maybe I should quit because if I'm not in the highest level, I don't want to play this sport. I don't want to be in the ranking I was in that moment. For me it doesn't make sense. That's how I am as my personality. So if I'm not on the top or in the best players in the world, I don't want to play this sport.
Paula Badosa said in her post-match press conference

Badosa’s first WTA quarterfinal of 2024 came at the Bad Homburg Open, where she lost to Diana Shnaider. Fast forward a few months, and she won her first title of the season and fourth overall at the Citi Open, also making the semifinals in Cincinnati.

Now, after reaching the Round of 16 at the US Open, Badosa will be seeking her second Grand Slam quarterfinal when she faces Wang Yafan. Her only Grand Slam quarterfinal to date was at the 2021 Roland Garros.

Paula Badosa aims to reach second Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open

No.26 seed Paula Badosa saved a match point at 5-4 in the third set and eventually defeated qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(8) at Louis Armstrong Stadium. It was a thrilling win for the Spaniard.

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa (Image via X)

Badosa faced a tough challenge from Ruse, who played with immense power and determination. The qualifier had beaten the US-born player in their previous encounter in Dubai 2022 and had just upset No.8 seed and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the previous round.

The first set was closely contested, with almost every game featuring break points. In the third set, Ruse fought back from an early break to lead 5-4, then broke Badosa to force a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, the 26-year-old came close to overturning a 4-0 deficit but fell short.

Ruse’s powerful shots were impressive, but her inconsistency cost her. She hit 29 winners but also made 41 unforced errors. Leading 5-4 in the final set, Ruse mixed winners with mistakes and missed a crucial return on match point. At 8-7 in the tiebreak, a wide forehand gave Badosa a match point, which she converted with an unreturned serve.

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