MIAMI — Jasmine Paolini`s 2024 season has been marked by remarkable consistency. After strong performances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where she reached the finals, Paolini has broken into the Top 10 at 28 years old.
Following her success, Paolini acknowledges the increased challenge and the loss of the element of surprise.
Paolini reached the round of 16 for the fourth time this year after Ons Jabeur retired from their match. Previously, she had been defeated at this stage in Doha, Dubai, and Indian Wells.
However, at the Miami Open, Paolini reversed this trend with a tenacious 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The No. 6 seed will now compete in the quarterfinals against the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Magda Linette.
This victory marks Paolini`s first streak of three consecutive wins this year. Her record against former WTA No. 1 players improves to 3-8, with all wins occurring in 2024 against Angelique Kerber and Karolina Pliskova. It was also her first victory against a former Grand Slam champion in her last five attempts.
Paolini`s resilience was evident early in the match, holding serve in a nine-minute opening game despite facing multiple break points.
In total, Paolini saved an impressive 12 of 15 break points while converting 3 of 5 on her own serve.
Osaka stated that she returned to tennis with high ambitions, not just to be an average player. Despite the loss, she is showing glimpses of her past form after returning from maternity leave 15 months prior.
Osaka mentioned that Paolini, as the first Top 10 player she has faced this year, presented a unique challenge due to her playing style and height, which Osaka admitted caught her off guard.
The match was closely contested, with Paolini recording 28 winners and 39 unforced errors, while Osaka had 29 winners and 41 unforced errors. Interestingly, Osaka won slightly more points overall, 101 to 97.
More updates to follow…
