Paula Badosa Bundled Out in First Round After Three-Set Battle

ADELAIDE: Spain’s Paula Badosa has suffered a significant setback in her Australian Open preparations, falling in the opening round of the Adelaide International to the Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzková.

Despite an authoritative start, the former World No. 2 struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that lasted over two hours.

Badosa, currently ranked 26th, appeared to be in control early on, taking the first set 6-3 with powerful baseline play. However, Bouzková, ranked 45th, adjusted her strategy in the second set, utilizing deep balls and defensive grinding to force the Spaniard into unforced errors.

The final set was a display of attrition. The defining moment occurred during a seven-shot rally where Badosa, having drawn Bouzková deep into the court, approached the net for a put-away volley. To the shock of the crowd, Badosa sent the shot straight into the net, gifting Bouzková three match points. The Spaniard’s frustration was visible as she threw her racquet onto the court following the error.

Marie Bouzková’s victory is particularly remarkable given her path to the main draw. Having lost in the qualifiers to Yulia Putintseva, she only entered the tournament as a “Lucky Loser.”

“I just tried to enjoy it, tried to grind and play deep balls,” Bouzková said following the win. “Yesterday gave me a kick start to do better today.”

This result marks Bouzková’s first career win against Badosa, avenging a loss suffered earlier this month at the Brisbane International. For Badosa, the early exit leaves her with limited match practice heading into Melbourne Park, raising questions about her form for the first Grand Slam of the year.