BJKC Finals: Iga Swiatek complicates but wins and avoids disaster vs Paula Badosa

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.

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 the world No. 2 would complete a routine victory, she started complicating things and twice allowed the Spaniard to get back from a break down in the second set and ultimately force a tie-break. In the tie-break, the Pole was 5-4 up before losing the next three points as Badosa went on to complete her steal of the second set and send the match into a decider.

At the start of the third set, Swiatek claimed a break in the first game but got broken back instantly in the following game. Fortunately for the 23-year-old Pole, she managed to remain calm and respond with back-to-back breaks and open a 4-1 lead.