A balanced match did not bring success. Vondrousova could not keep up with Badosa and ends up in the eighth round

The 2019 finalist was facing a duel with Paula Badosa. The Spaniard is having a successful season and is one of the biggest comets of the season. She was definitely the favourite in this semi-final. The Spaniard really lived up to her role as the favourite. In an evenly matched battle, she defeated the Czech 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals. She will play Slovenia’s Zidansekova in the semifinals.

The Czech started her semi-final very well. She played cleverly and her variability was depleting her opponent. This gave her a promising 3-1 lead. However, she was unable to confirm the break due to unnecessary errors and the Spaniard was back in the game. She quickly leveled the match and returned to the first set.

Badosa refined her game and began to dominate the match. The key moment of the opening set was the 9th game at 4-4. The Spaniard played brilliantly on the return and took the break. The favourite managed to finish the set with problems and won it 6-4.

Vondrousova managed the second set much better. She refined her game and was also more confident on serve. She was also able to win a few break points on the return. Her efforts paid off at 3-2.

The Czech managed to break her opponent’s serve and took a 4-2 lead. This time she was able to confirm the break and was close to winning the 2nd set. She maintained her level of play in the end and won the 2nd set 6-3.

The 3rd set decided the fate of both tennis players. It was a one woman show. Badosa returned to the pressure game that brought her the opening set. But the Czech started to make more and more errors.

Moreover, the long match was starting to take a physical toll on her. The Spaniard took a quick 3-1 lead and managed to finish the match in a winning position. She defeated Vondroušová 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

She has now reached the same stage of the tournament as last year. She has a great chance to improve on her Grand Slam best. She will be the clear favourite against Zidansek. A big opportunity for the Spaniard to break into the top four of the tournament.

Source: Rolland Garros