Harriet Dart roars back from a set down to beat Paula Badosa and book only the second WTA Tour semi-final of her career in Guangzhou.
Harriet Dart has turned the Guangzhou Open upside down. She came from a set behind to beat Paula Badosa and reach just the second WTA Tour semi-final of her career.
Badosa, the Spaniard who once climbed to world No. 2, looked to have the match under control after taking the opening set. Dart refused to let it slip away. She tightened up her game, held her nerve in the key moments and slowly dragged the contest onto her terms.
The British player has long been known for her grit, and this win showed it. Against an opponent with Badosa's pedigree and firepower, she stayed patient, kept her errors down and made the most of the chances that came her way. Few would have tipped her to win after the first set, which makes the turnaround even sweeter.
For Dart, the result is a major milestone and a reminder of what she can do when she believes in her game. A place in the last four of a WTA event is rare territory for her, and she will now look to build on the momentum and push for a spot in the final.
