“It’s going to be tough” – Coco Gauff seems to be highly aware of her upcoming match with 26-year-old Paula Badosa. Gauff has overcome double faults and a bagel set to keep her Italian Open run alive. After defeating Romanian lucky loser Jaqueline Cristian, the third-ranked tennis player will now play Paula Badosa who is “always dangerous regardless of how the past weeks have gone.” However, before that, the 20-year-old American lately shared her thoughts on her relationship with the former world number two with whom she is “never going to be close friends” but “definitely friendly.” 

On the flip side, the Spaniard splashes at the tournament, defeating Diana Shnaider of Russia in the women’s singles third-round match to mark her comeback. Badosa has been working hard this year to mount a great comeback, but the US Open champion is a dangerous foe.

Coco Gauff and Paula Badosa “aren’t close friends”

Following her victory in the third round, Gauff recently discussed her relationship with the 26-year-old tennis star at a news conference. She stated, “Yeah, I mean, Paula and I, we aren’t close friends, but we are friendly with each other. I think she’s a nice girl. She’s always been nice. Her team has always been nice practice. I think she’s a player that loves to play tennis.” 

The third-ranked tennis player also noted the difficulties the Spanish player had, especially her struggle with injuries and her attempts to make a successful recovery. She also seems to have some knowledge of other difficulties Badosa has been facing, both on and off the court.

Further, she added, “I think she’s 25 maybe, so five years’ age gap. We’re never going to be close friends, but I’m definitely friendly with her on tour. I always root for her. It’s going to be tough playing her. It is a tough matchup for me. I think she’s getting back to her top form. She was No. 2 in the world, playing well. She’s always dangerous regardless of how the past weeks have gone.”

The forthcoming match between Badosa and Gauff will be their fifth confrontation on the court. The young American tennis sensation will be looking to level the score and earn a big win in their rivalry, as Badosa presently leads the head-to-head record 3-1, including a victory on clay at a major tournament.

Not only that, the Spanish tennis player just a few weeks ago opened up about her journey of dealing with injuries and giving her best comeback on the court.

Badosa who wants to be remembered as a fighter, talked about her promise to herself

In a recent conversation with Inside-In Podcast, the 26-year-old WTA star opened up about how she became the tough player that she is today. She stated, “I remember promising to myself a few years ago, maybe three, four years ago that I was going to fight no matter what. One day when I retire, I just want people to remember me as a fighter.” 

Known for her ferocity on the court, Paula Badosa exudes a fun-loving personality off of it. But none compare to the relationship she has with Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time Australian Open champion, whom Badosa lovingly calls her “soulmate.” However, Gauff has shown that she is willing to make friends and build relationships off the court, even though she may not have developed a strong link with the Spaniard just yet.

Moreover, what do you think about the upcoming clash between Gauff and Badosa? Let us know in the comment section below.