Harriet Dart defeats Paula Badosa to reach Guangzhou Open semi-final
• 2 minute read
Harriet Dart is into a WTA semi-final for the second time in her career, after beating former world No.2 Paula Badosa in the quarter-final of the Guangzhou Open.
The British No.5 Dart dug deep in her battle against the fifth seed, coming back from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory and reach the semi-finals of a WTA event for the first time since the Transylvania Open in 2024.
“It was an incredible battle,” Dart reflected in her on court interview. “I thought Paula started really strongly. I was always behind, but I knew going in that it was going to be an incredibly tough match.
“I really needed to hang in there in the tough moments, and maybe I’d get a chance. Luckily I was able to take my chances today and I’m really excited to be in the semi-final.
“It’s been a very long time since I’ve been in the business end of a (WTA) tournament, so I’m very proud of that.”
The Brit is currently on a five-match winning streak in Guangzhou after coming through two rounds of qualifying before defeating Tatiana Prozorova, Janice Tjen and Spain's Badosa in the main draw.
Dart will look to continue her momentum in the semi-finals, where she'll face either Xinran Sun or Claire Liu for a place in Sunday's final.
Her achievement means a British woman has now reached the semi-finals of a WTA event in each of the last two weeks, following Katie Boulter's run to the final four at the Japan Open.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal enjoyed her own success the week before by becoming the second player to reach the final of a WTA 1000 at the Wuhan Open, where she finished runner-up.
Despite the Spaniard confidently taking the opening set, the second became a battle of returns as both players saw their first-serve percentages drop to below 40%. However, Dart adapted best to the conditions, converting three of her 12 break point opportunities to wrestle control of the set and level the contest at one set apiece with a blistering backhand return.
Both players exchanged breaks throughout the decider as they tussled for momentum. While Badosa recovered after Dart was unable to serve out the match at 5-3, the Brit responded immediately - racing to a 40-0 lead on the Spaniard's serve in the next game.
Under pressure, Badosa sent down her 10th double fault of the match to hand Dart victory after two hours and 15 minutes.
How to watch Harriet Dart at the Guangzhou Open
You can watch Dart in semi-final action at the Guangzhou Open live and exclusively on Sky Sports Tennis and NOW. Timings for the semi-final TBC.
