Iga Swiatek complicated against Paula Badosa but ultimately managed to beat the home favorite 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 in Malaga to clinch Poland’s victory over Spain and help her nation secure a quarterfinal ticket at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Earlier today, 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette edged out Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (6) 2-6 6-4 to give the Poles an early lead.
After the 32-year-old Pole survived an absolute thriller that nearly lasted four hours, the five-time Grand Slam champion was given the chance to seal the deal. Through the first set and a half, it looked like Swiatek would easily do so. But then, she twice blew a break in the second set and allowed Badosa to force a third set.
In the end, the world No. 2 managed to fend off the Spanish home favorite but it didn’t come without drama.
When the match finished, the four-time French Open winner registered 31 winners but also 29 unforced errors.
How Swiatek beat Badosa?
Early in the match, there wasn’t much separating the two as Badosa led 3-2 but then missed out on the first break point in the sixth game. After saving a break point, Swiatek went on to win seven consecutive games and open a 6-3 3-0 lead.
Just when it started to look like…
