Paula Badosa hilariously revealed that she told herself she “had to behave” against Olga Danilovic as she didn’t want to create another viral moment.
On Sunday, the world No. 12 ousted the 55th-ranked Serbian 6-1 7-6 (2) to progress into the Australian Open quarterfinal for the first time in her career.
Unlike two days earlier, the 27-year-old avoided drama this time.
On Thursday, Badosa needed three sets to beat Marta Kostyuk 6-4 4-6 6-3.
And while 0-5 down in the second set, the Spanish star delivered a viral moment when she reached out her racket and appeared to say to her boyfriend: “Come down and play.”
Later, she clarified that she was talking to her coach and not boyfriend.
“Honestly, I almost couldn’t recognize myself because I was so calm, even my coach was surprised, Like, ‘I wanna hear you more,’ and I’m like, ‘no, no, let’s keep like this,’ because sometimes when I get too emotional, it can be a rollercoaster,” the Spaniard said after beating Danilovic.
“Mentally, emotionally, today I was pretty calm… I mean, after the video from the other day, I’m like, ‘today I have to behave.’”
Paula Badosa after reaching 1st Australian Open QF
“Today I was pretty calm… I was like ‘after the video the other day, you have to behave.’” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 19, 2025
Badosa blessed to be in this position
Last March, the former world No. 2 was diagnosed with a chronic back issue and advised by the doctors to end her career.
But she refused to quit without at least trying to make something happen.
And now, she has achieved her best Australian Open result and is set to return to the top-10 for the first time since 2022.
“I think I’m a fighter… I’ve been through so many things in my life. I think it helped me to appreciate the moment more,” Badosa said.
For a place in the Australian Open semifinal, the Spaniard plays against Coco Gauff.
Tennis World USA