Paula Badosa Gibert vs. Ashleigh Barty: Preview and betting tips

And there are only four left. Paula Bados, Ashleigh Barty, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Aryna Sabalenka. These women will face off in Madrid for the title. It should be a very interesting battle between Bados and Barty. The home player is having the tournament of her life in front of her home fans. Is her advancement to the dream final realistic? Barty wants to win the title in Madrid to confirm her status as the best clay court player of the moment.

For Paula Bados, her tournament journey in Madrid is very special. She did it on home soil in front of her own fans. Not surprisingly, these are very powerful moments for her. She has done what no countrywoman before her has done.

With her triumph over Bencic, she became the first Spaniard in the history of the tournament to reach the semi-finals in Madrid. It is interesting that it was she who did it and not her more famous colleague Muguruza, who is crowned with many great titles.

The Spaniard beat Krejcikova, Teichmann, Sevastova and Bencic on her way to the semi-finals. She took advantage of a lighter draw. But she’s definitely deserved to get this far. In all her matches, she always gave a very decent performance.

She can only surprise in the semifinals. She’ll be the underdog. She beat Barty a month ago, so she’s definitely not out of the running. But it would be a big surprise if she did it again.

Barty of Australia is the favourite. The world No. 1 is in great form after an embarrassing start to the season. Once again, she confirmed that she is the queen on clay. She will be one of the big favourites again at Rolland Garros. She has won 10 of her 11 matches on clay this year.

It’s really interesting that the only defeat she has suffered was by her opponent today. In Charleston, however, it was a completely different match. Barty played very poorly and it was her worst performance of the season. Bados took advantage of that and unexpectedly won.

It’s a different story in Madrid. The Aussie seems to be in excellent form here. She beat Rogers, Zidansek, Swiatek and Kvitova. Especially the scalps of the last two are extremely valuable. Kvitova probably hurt her the most. However, Barty had the match in her hands and deservedly won.

She should be able to handle today’s semi-final. But she’s not going to have it easy. Bados is in perfect form and will be driven by the home fans.

What’s your bet?

I’m expecting Barty to advance, but also a pretty even match and a great battle. I’ll explain why. The Spaniard is playing at home. She will have the support of her fans and also a huge motivation.

She’s got the match of her life today, she’s going to give it her all. She’s never reached the final of a Premier tournament before. She’s in great form and has nothing to lose in this match. She’s won the only other match she’s played. Barty will probably win, but I believe the Spaniard will win at least a set.