Just 48 hours after retiring from the Iasi Open final with fatigue, Paula Badosa defeated Katarzyna Kawa in the first round of the Hamburg Open.
Badosa produced a composed performance against Kawa, including a notable drop shot and lob during a break-point rally. The match came shortly after her July 20 retirement from the Iasi Open final against Mayar Sherif, where she had called for medical timeouts before ending the contest while trailing 6-4, 4-0.
In Iasi she said, “I hate losing a final, and I’m really sorry that I had to do it this way, but I couldn’t keep up with my body.” The 27-year-old had already secured a title in Bastad and reached the Iasi final after several three-set matches.
Fans expressed surprise at her movement and execution in Hamburg. Comments on social media included “I thought she was injured” and questions about the timing of the Iasi withdrawal.
If Badosa and Sherif both advance in Hamburg, they are scheduled to meet in the quarterfinals.