Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Paula Badosa beats Diana Shnaider despite early problems in Stuttgart

“It was very difficult. I need more matches to gain confidence. I was very worried. He played well, I’m happy I won,” said Badosa after getting his fifth point after 1:40 change. court interview.

In a game that was disjointed due to many errors, especially in the first set (33 unforced errors; 21 Shnaider, 12 Badosa), the former world number two showed strong nerves in the crucial minutes. Badosa won all eight break points, which were ultimately the key to success against his vulnerable opponent (23 winners – Badosa 15).

Asked if he knew how many break points he won in total, Badosa replied: “I know that, but I also know how many double faults I made.” In total there were ten pieces (and four acres).

The Spaniard, who has been plagued by injuries in recent days and missed most of last season due to back problems, was not entirely satisfied.

“If I play a lot of matches, confidence will return. I’m very impatient, I have to learn that,” he explained and finally addressed the Stuttgart audience with a few words of praise: “It’s good to be back. . I love playing here. It’s one of my favorite tournaments, we players feel very nice.”

Also in the second round is Sachia Vickery (USA), who won the qualifying match against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 7:6 (7:2), 7:5. In the evening, 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) also faced Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

Kudermetova had a better ending for herself. The world number 19 defeated her opponent 5:7, 6:4 and 6:4 and will face Elena Rybakina, who previously had a bye, in the second round.