Paula Badosa narrowly avoided disqualification after throwing her racket toward spectators during the Iasi Open semi-final. The former world No. 2, who recently exited Wimbledon in the first round, lost her temper after losing a point in her match against Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek.
Incident During Semi-Final
Footage showed Badosa conceding a point after her overhead shot hit the net. She immediately turned and threw her racket high at a backboard. The racket bounced over the barrier separating the court from spectators in elevated stands. Badosa received a warning and will likely be fined after the match.
According to the WTA rulebook, players shall not violently or dangerously throw equipment within the tournament site. Violations subject players to fines up to $2,500 per violation and penalties per the Point Penalty Schedule. A second offence would result in a point penalty, and a third would cost a game. Tournament supervisors can also disqualify a player for a single violation.
Badosa's Recent Form
Badosa entered Wimbledon outside the top 140 and suffered a first-round exit to Emma Navarro. Despite this, she won the Nordea Open earlier in July and reached the Iasi Open final. However, she withdrew from the final against Egypt's Mayar Sherif while trailing 6-4, 4-0 due to injury.
“I’m always a player that’s very honest and real,” Badosa said after the final. “I have to say I hate this moment right now, I hate losing a final and I’m really sorry that I had to do it in this way but I couldn’t keep up with my body so I apologise for that also.” She added, “One month ago I was in one of the worst losing streaks of my career and one month after I made one of the best winning streaks of my career…lately we have had a little more positivity.”
Impact on Rankings and Upcoming Matches
Her recent return to form has seen Badosa climb to 93rd in the rankings. It remains unclear whether the injury will prevent her from competing in the Hamburg Open, where she is scheduled to face Poland's Katarzyna Kawa on Wednesday.
