Paula Badosa earns emotional comeback win over Coco Gauff to reach Berlin quarterfinals
Former world No. 2 Paula Badosa rallied from a 1-6 first set to beat Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 at the Berlin Tennis Open, reaching her first WTA quarterfinal of 2026 after a year of injuries.
A stunning turnaround after a lopsided start
Coco Gauff sprinted through the first set in 26 minutes, dropping just one game and looking poised for a straightforward win. But Paula Badosa, a wildcard entry ranked 142nd in the world, refused to fold. She broke serve early in the second set and held firm, taking it 6-3 in 35 minutes. The third set saw Badosa break at 1-2 and never look back, closing out a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in one hour and 37 minutes. It was her first win over a top-10 opponent this season and her most significant result since her run to the 2025 Australian Open semifinals.
One year ago here I got injured and since then I couldn't play constantly. I went through a lot professionally, but personally also, and now seeing myself again playing at this level means a lot. Finally I saw myself on court today.
Back from a string of injuries
Badosa, a former world No. 2, has been managing a chronic back stress fracture since 2023 and tore the labrum in her right hip last summer. At last year's Berlin tournament she retired in the quarterfinals, then lost in the first round of Wimbledon and managed only a brief return in Beijing before ending her season. The injuries caused her ranking to plummet and she arrived in Berlin with five consecutive defeats. Her emotional on-court interview, conducted by former player Andrea Petkovic, captured the weight of the comeback.
As you can see, I'm very emotional. It's been very hard. I've gone through many difficulties, both professionally and personally. Playing at this level again means a lot to me. I love this sport, that's why I always come back.
Gauff's grass season opens with more disappointment
For Gauff, the defeat extends a barren run on grass. The 2023 US Open and 2025 Roland Garros champion did not win a single match on the surface in 2025, suffering first-round exits in Berlin and Wimbledon. Her world No. 7 ranking and fifth seeding in Berlin offered little protection against Badosa's determined play. The American's first-serve percentage dropped across the three sets and she was broken twice in each of the final two sets. She will now turn her focus to doubles with partner Jessica Pegula.
In other second-round matches, Pegula advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova, while Alexandra Eala defeated Queen's Club champion Donna Vekic 7-5, 6-4. Badosa will next face the winner of the match between Linda Noskova and Diane Perry.
