A day after was Jannik Sinner confirmed as the brand new world No. 1, Italian tennis was celebrating one other first: Jasmine Paolini reaching a maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
Paolini, a 28-year-old from Tuscany and the No. 12 seed right here, has made large enhancements in 2024, and on Wednesday edged previous the previous Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in three units to achieve the final 4 at Roland Garros.
In what was typically a good, error-strewn match, Paolini held her nerve to serve out for a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory and remove the No. 4 seed.
Previous to this 12 months, Paolini had by no means gone past the second spherical of a significant, however after reaching the last-16 on the Australian Open, she served discover of her enchancment by successful the Dubai Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 occasion, one rung under the Grand Slams, in February.
Rybakina regarded badly off the tempo within the first set, however rallied to pinch the second. The third started with 4 breaks of serve, earlier than Paolini, who at 5ft 4in gave up eight inches to her rather more highly effective opponent, took benefit of 1 final slack service recreation from Rybakina and grabbed the decisive break.
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Beaming after her win, Paolini stated in her on-court interview that: “It was a extremely robust match. I feel I used to be a bit too emotional within the second set. Then I stated to myself, ‘It’s good, she’s a fantastic champion. Simply attempt to hit each ball.’ And it labored – I’m right here.”
Subsequent up for Paolini is a semi-final on Thursday in opposition to both the world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka or the unseeded Russian 17 12 months previous Mirra Andreeva.
(Dan Istitene/Getty Photos)
