Badosa Targets Middle East Tour to Boost Ranking Post-Australia
Paula Badosa aims to revitalize her tennis career during a Middle East tour following a disappointing start to 2026. After competing in three Australian tournaments, Badosa secured only two victories, which will significantly impact her WTA ranking. Her performance began with a win against Marie Bouzkova in Brisbane, but quickly took a downturn with eliminations by Elena Rybakina and later by Linda Noskova in Adelaide.
Badosa’s Australian Exit and Ranking Concerns
The early exit from the Australian Open was particularly disheartening. Badosa lost in the first round against Anna Blinkova, with a score of 6-4, 6-4, marking a tough end to her time in Australia.
Upcoming Tournaments in the Middle East
With her Australian journey behind her, Badosa sets her sights on several important matches in February. She will kick off her Middle East tour by participating in the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi from February 1 to 7. Last year, she exited in the first round against Linda Noskova.
Following Abu Dhabi, Badosa will compete in two crucial WTA 1000 tournaments:
- Doha from February 8 to 14: Last year, she reached the second round after defeating Renata Zarazúa but lost to Amanda Anisimova.
- Dubai from February 15 to 21: This tournament yielded her best result last year, reaching the round of 16, where she fell to Elena Rybakina.
Looking Forward
These upcoming matches are critical for Badosa to regain her form and confidence. With the competitive nature of these tournaments, improving her past performances is essential. A strong showing could boost her ranking and prepare her for the upcoming American tour, where she previously faced physical challenges.
As Badosa navigates this pivotal phase, insights from former players stress the need for patience. Badosa is determined to bounce back and make her mark in the coming weeks.
