Paula Badosa is reaping the rewards of her comeback. The Spanish star endured a contentious battle with injury concerns. Seemingly over several injury-marred participations, Badosa is on a grind. Vying for the season’s second WTA title at the China Open, her quest for the Beijing crown is threatened. That feels natural, Badosa is slated to lock horns with Coco Gauff in the event semifinals on Saturday, October 5.

Coco Gauff vs Paula Badosa: Preview

American sensation Gauff has seemingly cleaned up her act in Beijing after her error-fueled opening round showdown. The No. 4 seed returned on the roll, thwarting formidable challenges on her way to the final four. Marking her quarterfinal attendance, Gauff outclassed qualifier Yulia Starodubtsewa. After facing a one-set deficit, the young talent pounced, registering a comeback victory against the Ukrainian player in a three-set thriller, 2-6,6-2,6-2.

Meanwhile, Badosa made a big upset en route to the semifinals. The Spaniard finessed US Open finalist Jessica Pegula to book a quarterfinal date with home favorite Shuai Zhang. The captivating contest saw the breeze past the Chinese vet in the opening set, costing just one game. Despite facing resistance from Shuai in the later stages of the match, Badosa prevailed and concluded the contest with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6(4).

Gauff vs Badosa: Head-to-Head

Both players will mark their sixth overall meet on the Tour. Their last encounter came at this season’s Italian Open, wherein the American star won. Despite the victory, Badosa leads Gauff 3-2 in their overall head-to-head tally.

• 2024 Italian Open, R16: Gauff 5-7, 6-4, 6-1
• 2023 Madrid Open, R32: Badosa 6-3, 6-0
• 2022 San Hose, QF: Badosa 7-6(4), 6-2
• 2022 Doha, R16: Gauff 6-2, 6-3
• 2021 Indian Wells, Badosa 6-2, 6-2

Prediction: Badosa to win in three sets

Badosa isn’t slow off the blocks in Beijing. After struggling to conserve her top form, the Spanish star found her momentum during her Northern America hardcourt swing. She pocketed her fifth WTA title in two years at the Citi Open and later finished as a quarterfinalist at the US Open. Her impressive performances have thrilled the Chinese crowd all week in Beijing.

Boasting an aggressive baseline game, Badosa is quick off the mark and taunts rivals with her diverse shot-making skills. Badosa’s powerful forehand coupled with a gigantic serve does the job well for her on the court. In her last encounter, the No. 15 seed clinched 78% of wins on her first serve… all the while firing 10 aces.

Gauff, on the other hand, is seemingly evading living the shadow of her former self. After a disheartening string of losses to lower-ranked players and later, prematurely ending her Cincinnati Masters and US Open title defense, the American sensation is eying for a successful conclusion to the season.

After parting ways with ex-coach Brad Gilbert, the 20-year-old commenced her newfound partnership with Matt Daly. A specialist in racket grip correction, Daly has lowkey enhanced Gauff’s error-prone serve and extreme western forehand grip. The young talent flaunts her athletic prowess by firing quick reactions on shots and efficiently gluing competitors far off the baseline. However, Badosa enjoys an upper hand in their rivalry.

The Spaniard has won two of their three duels on hardcourts without dropping a set. Overall, it is safe to say that Badosa stands a mightier chance at downing Gauff. Due to her improved form and triumphant results, the event’s last four should see the Spanish star advance.