United Cup 2023: Paula Badosa vs. Harriet Dart Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 United Cup as Paula Badosa takes on Harriet Dart in the group stages on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

It will be a potentially decisive singles rubber between Great Britain and Spain at the United Cup. With a 2-0 lead from the opening matches, Harriet Dart could seal the deal by beating Paula Badosa in Sydney. Who will come out on top?

Paula Badosa will be summoned from Spain’s bench and play in a decisive singles rubber against Harriet Dart of Great Britain at the United Cup. With Spain trailing 2-0 from the opening tie matches, they know they cannot afford another defeat here especially with Rafael Nadal very much short in fitness levels. Badosa was not in great form throughout the 2022 season which largely explains why she was unable to sustain her ranking inside the world’s top 10. But do write her off from getting back to her pomp in 2023.

Harriet Dart. meanwhile, produced a fantastic performance to beat Australia’s Maddison Inglis in the opening tie for Great Britain as they beat Australia 3-2 at the United Cup. Darts’ win was pivotal in the context of the tie, and she has another chance to build on her status within her team’s ranks. Could she do the unthinkable and upset the world No. 13 Paula Badosa?

Harriet Dart surprisingly leads the head-to-head over Paula Badosa 2-0. Their first meeting was at an ITF event back in 2018 in which Badosa retired while trailing by a set to love. Their second meeting was actually played most recently at the Billie Jean King Cup where Dart won in straight sets last November. Dart is an aggressive player, she likes to take the ball early and she’s very strong off the backhand side. Badosa will be under massive pressure to deliver, but I reckon her overall experience will come to the fore. The Spaniard has played on the big stage and will have a point to prove on Sunday at the United Cup.