What a resurgence it has been from Paula Badosa! She has suffered quite a few injuries since the last year and has also struggled with her form. However, this month, she has looked like a completely different player. From winning the Citi Open to reaching the SF of the Cincinnati Masters, she is currently in red-hot form. Badosa recently also got off to a winning start at the 2024 US Open. She will now face the home-favorite Taylor Townsend in the second round. Who has the edge in this exciting matchup?

Taylor Townsend vs Paula Badosa: Preview

Townsend’s best result in women’s singles in the 2024 season also came this month. She reached the QF of the Canadian Open but was defeated by her compatriot, Emma Navarro. Here in the US Open, she defeated Italy’s Martina Trevisan in the first-round by 6-2, 7-5. Now, it’ll be interesting to see if she can make full use of the home support and come up with yet another comprehensive victory in the second round.

Beating Paula Badosa has become a mammoth task! This is also her favorite tournament, so she’ll be keen to make a longer stay here. Badosa defeated the Swiss tennis star, Viktorija Golubic in her first match by a comfortable 6-0, 6-3 margin. Has the Spaniard faced Taylor Townsend before in her career, though?

Townsend vs Badosa: Head-to-Head

They have met each other only once in their careers so far. It was at the first major tournament of the 2024 season. Currently, Badosa is leading the H2H by a 1-0 margin. However, looking at their performance in their previous matches, we can expect some more fireworks at the last major event of this season.

• 2024 Australian Open R128: Badosa 6-1, 6-3

Prediction: Badosa to win in three sets

Looking at Paula Badosa’s recent form, it’s pretty hard not to pick her as the favorite in this match. Although Taylor Townsend will have the home advantage, Badosa looks more steady and solid. Badosa is currently ranked 29th in the world and she has a win-loss record of 27-15 this season, while Townsend (48) has a win-loss record of just 14-14.

However, Townsend’s best record in this tournament has been reaching the R4 in 2019. Badosa on the other hand, has failed to reach the third round in seven attempts. The Spaniard’s aggressive baseline game along with the big serves and powerful groundstrokes will be put to the test against the left-handed American. Badosa is one of the fastest servers on the women’s tour, however, the high double fault counts will remain a major worry in this campaign. She has hit 201 aces so far this season but has committed 219 double faults!

Apart from the serves, Townsend needs to watch out for Badosa’s two-handed backhand. She has a unique ability to create extreme angles while hitting winners from defensive positions with the help of her forehands. Badosa is also a good counterpuncher. Her outstanding court coverage and incredible stamina make her one of the most lethal players when she’s in good form.

Townsend on the other hand, is frequently seen employing the server and volley tactics in her games. She also has a big serve and can create some serious power behind her forehands. Her vicious slice shots and picture-perfect net play are something that Paula Badosa needs to watch out for.

For the Spaniard to succeed in this match the only thing she needs to do is to force Townsend away from playing her natural game. Looking at the experience of playing at some of the big matches, surely the former world number 2 knows a way or two more on how to topple this opponent.