Disaster for Coco Gauff as No.3 seed crashes out of the Australian Open in huge upset
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Paula Badosa has delivered a career-defining performance to defeat Coco Gauff in the Australian Open quarterfinals, sending the No.3 seed tumbling out of the tournament in a major shock. Badosa said she is 'super proud' of the level she delivered in an emotional return to her best form in the straight sets upset after fearing she would need to retire prematurely because of stress fractures in her back.
![[Badosa claimed the major scalp of American Coco Gauff, who was the overwhelming favourite]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/02/94330689-14307171-Badosa_claimed_the_major_scalp_of_American_Coco_Gauff_who_was_th-a-11_1737427122340.jpg)
'I mean, I've been through a lot. I was in the past one of the best players in the world but I think now I'm a better player, more mature, I think I managed emotions a little bit better, not always, but sometimes,' she said. 'And I mean, it was great to play in front of you guys. The atmosphere was amazing and for me this is a dream come true.
'I mean, a year ago, I was here with my back that I didn't know if I had to retire from this sport. Now I'm here playing against the best in the world. I won today. I'm in semifinals. So I would never think that a year after I would be here.'. Spaniard Paula Badosa thought her career was over last year, now she has surged into the Australian Open semi-finals.
Badosa claimed the major scalp of American Coco Gauff, who was the overwhelming favourite. Gauff, who entered the clash as the overhwleming favourite and had been in scintillating form , was unable to overcome Badosa's relentless pressure and precise shot-making.
While Gauff was the raging favourite, Badosa has caused her plenty of headaches in the past before her back injury. Badosa, who has consistently troubled Gauff in previous meetings, exploited the American's weaknesses with a mix of deep returns and court coverage.
