World No. 3 Paula Badosa seems to enjoy the pressure and when it gets tight as she is 8-1 in tie-breaks played this year.
On Friday, Badosa defeated world No. 10 Ons Jabeur 7-6 (9) 1-6 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart semifinal.
Badosa saved two set points in the first set tie-break, before realizing his third set point to win a tight opener.
“I’m very competitive and I like tight moments. I cannot say I enjoy them because there’s a lot of nerves and I suffer, but I try to enjoy that suffering. In those moments I just say to myself, ‘Try to be brave and fight and go for it,” Badosa told WTA Insider.
Badosa on beating Jabeur and becoming the new No. 2
With her victory over Jabeur, Badosa is now guaranteed to reach the No. 2 ranking on Monday.
“Against Ons, she’s an amazing player and she plays so, so well. It’s so tough to beat her, so I’m really happy about this win today,” Badosa said.
“This means more to me than just a match; I’m at my best ranking. I was going after it at the last tournaments and I couldn’t [get it].
“I was fighting a lot and it was really my goal, so I’m really happy about that.”
Badosa was on the verge of losing the first set multiple times but still managed to win the opener.
Jabeur had a great chance to win the first set but she failed to serve out for opener in the 10th game and then also in the 12th hame.
“The first set, I think it was a very high level from both sides. Either one of us could win it, and I’m very pleased that I could win it,” Badosa said. “I was really, really tired and my energy went down.
“She played very well, as well. I was feeling pain everywhere, but as I always say, I’m a fighter and that’s what I want to be remembered for, so I’m really happy that I fought until the last moment.”
Badosa plays Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart semifinal.