Having lost to Pegula three times in their first three meetings, including last month in the Cincinnati semifinals, Badosa’s 1 hour and 4-minute win in the Round of 16 was eye-popping in more ways than one. From 3-1 down in the opening set, Badosa won 11 of the last 12 games — and eight in a row to finish the match.
“She’s one the of the players I never want to face — she’s very solid, hits very flat, changes very well direction, so I knew it was going to be tough,” Badosa said post-match. “Yesterday I prepared myself for a battle, but I think today everything worked pretty well.
“I was moving well, my backhand, my forehand was there today, and I fought. Every point was very important for me, especially against Jessica, because she can come back at any moment; I’m really happy for this win, honestly.”
