'I didn’t know if I’d have to retire...' - WATCH: Comeback star Paula Badosa opens up after win over Coco Gauff

Tennis sensation Paula Badosa gets emotional after beating 20-year-old star Coco Gauff by 7-6, 7-4 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena on January 21. The Spaniard had an emotional and priceless reaction before falling on the deck and was seen overcome with emotion after the stellar win, which made her reach the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam of the year. Badosa is now just two wins away from grabbing the title, but she might have to overcome the challenges of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in the forthcoming encounters.

Badosa expressed her emotions in the post-match interview. The 27-year-old tennis star was full of emotions after winning the quarter-finals. The Spaniard star revealed that she was having a back injury last year and has been advised to retire from the sport, which was heartbreaking for her. Badosa admitted that she didn't even expect that she would make it to the semi-finals despite suffering due to grave injuries exactly a year ago. The USA-born star hailed the spectators in the stadium and called them amazing.

Also Watch: Paula Badosa's priceless reaction after storming into semi-finals of 2025 Australia Open

For me this was a dream come true: Paula Badosa

Paula Badosa after beating Coco Gauff to reach Australian Open SF

“A year ago I was here.. I didn’t know if I’d have to retire from the sport. I won today. I’m in the semifinals. I would never think a year later I would be here” ❤️

pic.twitter.com/lSBPEyXYPt

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025

“Emotional, I’m a bit emotional. As you know I’m a very emotional person and overcoming something like this, the quarter-finals of a grand slam, was very tough. A year ago I was here with my back (injury), I didn’t know if I’d have to retire from this sport. Now I’m here playing against the best in the world. I won today, I’m in the semi-finals — I would never think, a year after, I would be here. It was great to play in front of you guys, the atmosphere was amazing. For me this was a dream come true," Paula Badosa said after the win.

Did you know?

Tennis star Paula Badosa becomes the 4th Spanish woman in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles semifinal. (After Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Conchita Martinez, Garbiñe Muguruza).

Paula Badosa hits an OUTRAGEOUS volley against Coco Gauff at the Australian Open.

Exhausting rally.

Finished off perfectly at the net with perfect touch.

A great talent. 🇪🇸

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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025

Also Read: Defending champion Jannik Sinner blows away Holger Rune to reach quarter-finals