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Match details
Fixture: (3) Paula Badosa vs (14) Coco Gauff
Date: 23 February 2022
Tournament: Qatar Open
Round: Third round (Round of 16)
Venue: Doha, Qatar
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $2,331,698
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Paula Badosa vs Coco Gauff preview
Third seed Paula Badosa will take on Coco Gauff in the third round of the 2022 Qatar Open on Wednesday.
Badosa started the season by winning a third career title in Sydney and backed that up with a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open. She returned to action last week in Dubai, but suffered a humbling three-set loss against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the opening round.
Nevertheless, the 2021 Indian Wells champion looked in fine form during her 6-1, 6-2 first-round win over Clara Tauson in Doha. She has risen to a career-high ranking of No. 4 and has a chance to advance higher on the rankings ladder with a deep run this week.
Coco Gauff, meanwhile, entered the tournament looking for her first win since her semi-final run in Adelaide last month. The American lost her opener to unseeded Qiang Wang in straight sets at the Australian Open before another defeat in Dubai against compatriot Jessica Pegula.
Nevertheless, the 17-year-old has shown immense grit and character in her matches so far in Doha. She beat countrywoman Shelby Rogers in straight sets before prevailing over Caroline Garcia 6-2, 7-6(3).
Paula Badosa vs Coco Gauff head-to-head
The sole meeting between Paula Badosa and Coco Gauff took place in Indian Wells last year, when the former prevailed in straight sets. Badosa thus leads the head-to-head against the American 1-0.
Paula Badosa vs Coco Gauff prediction
Paula Badosa and Coco Gauff excel in baseline rallies, although the American has shown a tendency to commit untimely unforced errors of late. Badosa will rely on her aggressive ball-striking to stay assertive during baseline exchanges and thwart the defense of the agile Coco Gauff.
Both players have a solid serve, although the American teenager often struggles to contain her double faults. Badosa, on her day, can produce aces at will, as was evidenced by the nine she hit in her opening-round win over Clara Tauson.
If the Spaniard can stay consistent on serve and draw errors off the American's racquet, she should be able to eke out a win.
Prediction: Paula Badosa to win in three sets.
