World No.85 Tamara Zidansek recorded a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 8-6 victory over Paula Badosa in the 2021 French Open quarterfinals and became the first woman from Slovenia to make a Grand Slam semifinal.
The 23-year-old Zidansek recovered from a double break down in the first set, from 0-3 to 3-3, and then from one break down right afterwards, before winning two games in a row from 5-5 to edge the set in 55 minutes.
The break-fest continued in the second set, as Zidansek earned a 4-2 lead and Badosa won four games in a row to force a decider.
After losing a 2-0 lead in the third set, Badosa stayed competitive, but the Spaniard’s position was disadvantageous, as she was the one catching up. In the end, it was Zidansek who edged another break and earned a victory in the encounter of two first-time Grand Slam quarterfinalists. (photo: Jimmie48)
Very competitive match between Tamara & Paula. It was sure an entertaining match to watch, but Zidansek had more winners in the end. Her forehand was on target, firing 39 forehand winners, including the last point of the match. On Tennis Channel after the match, Novak was seen congratulating an giving her fist bumps in the locker room. I really love seeing the men and women players engaging at the Majors. It is the one of the best things about tennis.