Jasmine Paolini admits she used to find it a ‘nightmare’ to play big-hitting players but now she is ready for the challenge at Wimbledon.
The world No.7 is through to the fourth round of the grasscourt major for the first time in her career after rallying to a 7-6(4), 6-1, win over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu. Before this season, she had never won a Tour-level match on the grass. She has now won 12 Grand Slam matches in 2024 which is the joint-highest on the WTA Tour with Coco Gauff, who will play later today.
“I’m feeling good. Every match, it’s different,” said Paolini.
“I think I played really good three matches, especially the second and the third one. The first one I think I was a little bit more nervous.
“I’m just thinking of trying to play point by point. But it’s not easy.”
Things will only get harder for Paolini who will next take on Madison Keys. A player that is known as a tricky opponent at major events. Illustrated by the fact she has reached a Grand Slam fourth round or better on 20 separate occasions since 2015.
In their only previous meeting on the Tour, Keys thrashed Paolini 6-1, 6-1, with the use of her powerful hitting. However, this time round the Italian believes she is better prepared to deal with that power.
“It was a nightmare facing those players,” Paolini said in Italian when asked about facing powerful players.
“Against everyone, you can win or lose, but at least you can play a match with them. I just couldn’t stay in the match.
“Now I’m a bit more comfortable, more confident.”
Regardless of what happens, the 28-year-old has already sealed her name in the history books by becoming the first woman from her country to reach the fourth round or better at the first three Grand Slams of a season.
“It’s strange,” she said of the achievement. “When I was watching the girls (Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta etc) that were winning slams, making finals, I felt like they were so far from me.
“It’s something that of course I’m proud of, but it sounds a little bit strange.”
