Washington (AFP) – Former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain and American Sebastian Korda each enjoyed the “most special moment” of their careers on Sunday by winning titles at the ATP and WTA Washington Open. Badosa outlasted Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to capture her first WTA crown since a severe back injury last year.
“I think it’s maybe the most special moment, especially because I went through a lot,” Badosa said. “I had to fight through that and I had to keep believing in myself.” Korda won the last 10 games to rally past Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. It marks the first time in ATP history a father and son have won the same title, Petr Korda having been Washington’s 1992 champion.
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“One of my biggest goals was one day coming here and hopefully winning the tournament,” Korda said. “This is probably the most special moment of my career so far.” Badosa battled through two storm stoppages before taking her first title since January 2022 at Sydney in the US Open tuneup.
“Today was a very tough day for me because I really wanted to win this title no matter what. It was very emotional,” she said. “Finally I got it. I’m super proud of myself after all. I’m very happy with this title.” It was the Spaniard’s first title since missing the last six months of the 2023 campaign with a back injury that made Badosa wonder if she would ever win another tournament.
Moments after the triumph was complete, wildcard entrant Badosa lay on her back on the court and cried but later kissed the court in delight. “What I went through the last year, being back, winning big titles, it means a lot. That’s why I had this mix of emotions,” she said. “Was a little bit tough to control my emotions.”
Korda, 24, won his second career ATP title after Parma in 2021 and will jump to a career-high 18th in Monday’s world rankings. First-time ATP finalist Cobolli, a 22-year-old from Florence, was undone after double faulting to hand Korda his first break to 3-2 in the second set. Cobolli never won another game.
“Sorry for the end of the match but I was dead,” Cobolli said.
– ‘We can say I’m back’ –
Badosa, who sank to 140th in world rankings earlier this year, will be 40th in Monday’s rankings. “The thing I’m most proud of is how I handled the tough moments, the pressure moments,” Badosa said. “What I learned is that I’m stronger than I thought. If I believe and I go for it, well, good things come like a title,” she added. “Sometimes I’ve been doubting on myself. I think I shouldn’t do that.”
Badosa improved to 4-0 in career WTA finals, having also taken titles at Belgrade and Indian Wells in 2021. “Now I’m an athlete again,” Badosa said. “Yeah, we can say I’m back.” Badosa improved to 3-0 in her rivalry with fellow 26-year-old Bouzkova, also winning in 2017 at Las Vegas and 2022 in Miami.
Bouzkova, ranked 43rd, fell to 1-6 in WTA finals, her lone win coming at Prague in 2022. “I gave it my everything,” Bouzkova said. “We battled pretty much for every point. She handled it well in the end also. Pretty much looks like she’s back.”
© 2024 AFP
