Iga Swiatek complicated against Paula Badosa but ultimately managed to beat the home favorite 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 in Malaga to clinch Poland's victory over Spain and help her nation secure a quarterfinal ticket at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
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Earlier today, 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette edged out Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (6) 2-6 6-4to give the Poles an early lead.
After the 32-year-old Pole survived an absolute thriller that nearly lasted four hours, the five-time Grand Slam champion was given the chance to seal the deal. Through the first set and a half, it looked like Swiatek would easily do so. But then, she twice blew a break in the second set and allowed Badosa to force a third set.
In the end, the world No. 2 managed to fend off the Spanish home favorite but it didn't come without drama.
When the match finished, the four-time French Open winner registered 31 winners but also 29 unforced errors.
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How Swiatek beat Badosa?
Early in the match, there wasn't much separating the two as Badosa led 3-2 but then missed out on the first break point in the sixth game. After saving a break point, Swiatek went on to win seven consecutive games and open a 6-3 3-0 lead.
Just when it started to look like the world No. 2 would complete a routine victory, she started complicating things and twice allowed the Spaniard to get back from a break down in the second set and ultimately force a tie-break. In the tie-break, the Pole was 5-4 up before losing the next three points as Badosa went on to complete her steal of the second set and send the match into a decider.
At the start of the third set, Swiatek claimed a break in the first game but got broken back instantly in the following game. Fortunately for the 23-year-old Pole, she managed to remain calm and respond with back-to-back breaks and open a 4-1 lead.
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Then, a medical incident happened in the stands and someone needed help - that led to a 20-minute break. However, when the match resumed, the four-time French Open champion continued where she left off and won the next two games to complete a three-set win.
Swiatek and Co. will battle against the Czech Republic in the BJK Cup quarterfinal.
