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After making her return to the tour in January
following a lengthy break, doctors advised her against playing
on hardcourts or risk further problems in her career.
However, she continued to battle through and on Sunday was
rewarded with a fourth title after a 6-1 4-6 6-4 victory over
Czech Marie Bouzkova at the WTA 500 hardcourt event in the U.S.
capital.
"One year ago I was on the couch, so it's a big difference now.
I'm an athlete again ... winning a title after two years,"
Badosa told reporters.
"I've played four finals and won the four of them. That's what I
had on my mind today in the third set. I'm like 'Paula, you're
capable of doing this in another final'.
"I think now I'm in a really good place."
Badosa's run in Washington D.C. included wins over former Grand
Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Sofia Kenin and leaves her in
good form ahead of the U.S. Open starting on Aug. 26.
"I felt before I was at a pretty high level because I'm playing
against the best players and I'm close," said Badosa, who
climbed to number 40 in the world on Monday.
"I think I'm on my way. I don't want to say I'm back because I
don't know. I want to test myself a bit more."
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford) [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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