Elena Rybakina Saves Six Match Points to Defeat Paula Badosa in Dubai Thriller
In an intense battle at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Elena Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Paula Badosa in a marathon three-setter, winning 4-6, 7-6(10-8), 7-6. The Spaniard had six match points but was unable to close out the victory, allowing Rybakina to turn the match around in dramatic fashion.
Badosa Dominates Early, Takes First Set
Badosa came out firing, displaying an aggressive return game that troubled Rybakina. The Spaniard created six break-point opportunities and converted two, putting constant pressure on her opponent’s serve.
Rybakina, struggling to find rhythm on her first serve, only converted one of three break chances. The key difference in the set was Badosa’s superior performance on second serve points, winning 71%, compared to Rybakina’s 47%.
Badosa secured the set 6-4, looking sharp and confident.
Rybakina Fights Back in Second-Set Tiebreak
The No. 9 seed, Badosa, kept her momentum going into the second set, breaking early to go up 1-0. However, Rybakina immediately responded with a counter-break, shifting the momentum in her favor.
As Rybakina raised her level, she broke again and led 5-3, serving for the set. But Badosa refused to give in, breaking back to keep her hopes alive at 5-4.
A thrilling tiebreak followed, with Rybakina saving four match points before finally leveling the match at one set apiece, taking the tiebreak 10-8.
Third Set: More Match Points Saved, Another Tiebreak Decides It
Carrying the disappointment of missed opportunities, Badosa had a shaky start in the decider, allowing Rybakina to break early and take a 2-0 lead. Despite trailing for most of the set, Badosa stayed in the fight and broke back just as Rybakina served for the match.
With the score tied again, Badosa earned two more match points on return, but Rybakina held firm, once again denying the Spaniard a chance to close out the contest.
The match headed into a second tiebreak, where Rybakina proved to be the stronger player, securing the victory in 2 hours and 47 minutes.
Match Statistics: Rybakina vs. Badosa
| Category | Rybakina | Badosa |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 8 | 8 |
| Double Faults | 8 | 8 |
| 1st Serve % | 62% (84/135) | 59% (67/114) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 68% (57/84) | 70% (47/67) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 44% (22/50) | 49% (23/47) |
| Break Points Saved | 71% (12/17) | 60% (6/10) |
| 1st Return Points Won | 30% (20/67) | 32% (27/84) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 51% (24/47) | 56% (28/50) |
| Match Duration | 2h 47m | 2h 47m |
Conclusion
This heartbreaking loss for Badosa marks a missed opportunity, as she had the match on her racket multiple times. Meanwhile, Rybakina demonstrated mental resilience, saving six match points to snatch victory from the brink of defeat.
The win keeps Rybakina’s strong form intact, while Badosa will have to regroup after an incredibly tough loss.
