Back with a win: Paula Badosa fights through nerves for victory in China Open return

Paula Badosa returned to the court victorious after more than three months since her last win, defeating Croatia's Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 7-6(2) in the first round of the China Open. The Spaniard delivered a strong debut performance in her comeback after another setback due to her recurring back injury, and she advances to the Round of 32 in the penultimate WTA 1000 of the season.

The former World No. 2 last appeared on the Tour at Wimbledon—falling in the first round to local player Katie Boulter in straight sets. Following her participation at SW19, Badosa announced she would miss the North American swing due to physical discomfort. She returned a week ago at the Billie Jean King Cup—where she was defeated by Elina Svitolina—but this was her first ranking tournament.

Badosa had a strong first half of the year, reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the Australian Open and returning to the Top 10 after nearly three years. However, injuries marred her European tour, and Badosa fell in the rankings to her current position at World No. 18. This is a crucial week for Badosa, who is defending 400 points from the semifinals she reached last year.

Badosa overcomes nerves to claim First Set

It was a start where nerves were felt on the Spaniard's side, as she had to overcome two double faults in her first service game to take the lead. Her opponent, Ruzic, alternated aggressive play with several unforced errors, forcing Badosa to stand firm from the back of the court.

The Spaniard secured her first break in the third game and took the lead on the scoreboard, showing good first serves to hold the advantage. Midway through the set, the 27-year-old star had to save a break point, and in the decisive moments, she managed another couple of break opportunities to ultimately take the set 6-3 after 36 minutes, recording 5 aces and committing three double faults.

Badosa Rallies from break down to win Second Set tie-break

The World No. 18 started the second set with double faults again, and this time Ruzic took an early break to gain the advantage. The young Croat went up 2-0 on her serve—saving three break points against her—and seemed determined to push for the set against a Badosa who has often relinquished her advantage after a good start.

Ruzic clung to her serve and managed to trouble Badosa on the return, although the Spaniard reacted well to the critical moments. The World No. 80 was up 4-2, but couldn't sustain her lead, as Badosa strung together a good run of points and won three consecutive games, taking the lead at 5-4.

Ruzic showed courage in going for her shots, though the unforced errors did not stop on her side. She managed a break and had the opportunity to serve for the set, but Badosa fought back to break her again and send everything to the tie-break. Following a couple of cross-breaks, everything was decided in the tie-breaker, where Badosa showed her quality, sealing the victory 6-3, 7-6(2) after a tight set that lasted one hour.

Match Statistics Ruzic vs. Badosa

Badosa secures first victory since June, awaits Muchova/Cirstea

Badosa achieves her first victory since Bad Homburg in mid-June. Since then, she had accumulated three consecutive losses and several months out of competition, missing several tournaments—including the US Open.

Nevertheless, the former Indian Wells champion managed to advance against a gritty opponent and secured her spot in the Round of 32, where she still awaits her opponent, who will be the winner of the match between Karolína Muchová (13th) and Sorana Cîrstea.