‘She’s the One to Beat’ – Paula Badosa Draws Parallels Between Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty has been on a dream run since the start of the 2022 season. She won the WTA 500 Adelaide International 1, followed by the 2022 Australian Open. However, what comes as an astonishing achievement is that the Australian has dropped just 1 set in her 11-match win streak. 

Recently, World No. 5 Paula Badosa revealed her admiration for Ashleigh’s game, calling it “incredible”. She appreciated Barty’s game style and her ability to make everything seem easy. She went on to compare Barty’s game to that of Roger Federer.

Paula Badosa spoke to the media in Dubai, ahead of the WTA 500 Dubai Open. An event where she is set to make her debut appearance.

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Barty is the player to beat, according to Badosa

While speaking to the media, Paula was asked to name one player on the tour, who she considers her biggest competition. The Spaniard took no time in responding to the question, appreciating Ashleigh Barty. 

She was all praises for the Aussie, as she said, “I think all the tennis players are going to give you the same name, right? I think Ashleigh Barty.”

“When I saw her win in Australia it was incredible. I told my coach that I wanted to play her again to see how she feels,” she added.

Badosa further appreciated Barty’s effortless game and how she makes everything look like a cakewalk on the court. She said, “She makes everything easy. The tough matches, she makes it easy. It’s amazing how she plays tennis.”

She then compared Ashleigh to one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Roger Federer. “She’s like Federer on the men’s tour. She does everything with a lot of flow and very easy,” Badosa said.  

(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

Ashleigh Barty vs Paula Badosa

Ashleigh and Paula have faced each other twice in their careers; both the matches were in 2021. There’s nothing to separate the two in their head-to-head. Badosa won the quarterfinal in Charleston 6-4, 6-3.

The two next met in the semi-finals of the 2021 WTA 1000 Mutua Madrid Open. Seeking revenge for her previous loss, Barty put her strong foot forward and won the match with exactly the same scoreline, 6-4. 6-3. 

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