NEW DELHI: Jasmine Paolini, the unexpected Italian sensation, held off a spirited comeback from fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina to clinch a remarkable 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory on Wednesday, securing her maiden French Open semi-final berth.
Paolini, seeded 12th, will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka and Russian teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva, scheduled later on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Making her debut in a Grand Slam quarter-final, the 28-year-old Italian started the match with poise, capturing the first two games. She maintained the pressure on her opponent, making it difficult for Rybakina to hold serve, and secured another break on her way to claiming the opening set.
Paolini executed a stunning backhand winner, securing another break in the third game of the following set. However, Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion, fought back with a break of her own. The Kazakh player gradually adapted to the Italian's formidable power and precision.
The two players continued to trade breaks, but Rybakina managed to hold her ground, leveling the match at one set each. Despite losing her serve at the beginning of the deciding set, the 24-year-old remained composed and mounted a comeback.
Paolini showcased her earlier form, holding serve to love and evening the score at 4-4. Paolini secured a hold to love to make it 4-4, playing at the level she showed early in the match and she took advantage of Rybakina's errors to close out a famous victory.
(With Reuters inputs)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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