Why Paula Badosa still looks set to break back into the top 10 after her latest win

Paula Badosa put in an impressive performance to get the better of Maria Sakkari on Wednesday.

The Spaniard, who has recently dropped out of the WTA top 100, came through with a 6-3, 6-4 win over the former world number three in the Charleston Open second round.

It’s a big result for Badosa, who has faced plenty of challenges off the court over the past year.

Badosa has also had to contend with an L5 vertebrae fracture, which required intensive rehabilitation before she could return to full training.

Badosa looked comfortable against Sakkari and seems to be finding her rhythm again. There’s every reason to think she can build on this in South Carolina.

Badosa has the talent to get back to the top 10

Badosa’s win over Sakkari is another reminder that she can still compete with some of the best players on tour.

Although Sakkari is now ranked 36th, her early-season form has been impressive, showing she remains a tough opponent.

Sakkari reached the Qatar Open final in February, picking up wins over Jasmine Paolini and Iga Swiatek along the way.

If injuries hadn’t played such a big role in her career, it’s not hard to imagine Badosa still being inside the top 10. Her win over Sakkari, who was once ranked as high as number three in the world, shows that level hasn’t disappeared.

Badosa has struggled with injuries throughout her career, and it would be great to see her stay fit as the season progresses.

Next up for Badosa is a match against eighth seed Anna Kalinskaya on Thursday, giving her another chance to build momentum.

Kalinskaya, who finished runner-up at last year’s Washington Open, booked her spot in this round by beating Viktoriya Tomova.

A win there would set up a quarter-final clash against either Iva Jovic or Sofia Kenin. It’s a good chance for Badosa to continue making strides in her comeback.

Looking back at Badosa’s first steps on the WTA Tour

Badosa made her WTA Tour debut in 2015 after receiving a wildcard for the Miami Open. The Spaniard started strongly, defeating Petra Cetkovska 6-1, 6-1 in her opening match.

She then continued her momentum by getting past lucky loser Zheng Saisai. Badosa’s run was halted by former world number one Karolina Pliskova, who won their match 7-5, 6-1.

The tournament was ultimately won by Serena Williams, who defeated Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-0 in the final.

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