Jasmine Paolini made one of the biggest upsets in tennis history on Tuesday night. Shocks fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina in a three-set thriller during the women's singles quarterfinals at the Roland-Garros. Just the second Italian to reach the semifinals of the event, joining Jannik Sinner, Paolini proved that Court Philippe-Chatrier is a stage built for a player of her qualities.
What was a classic roller-coaster ride of emotions saw Paolini dictate terms early in the contest, claiming the first set in a 6-2 blowout in a fine display of tennis. Despite putting up a spirited fightback from Rybakina in the second set, Paolini was composed until a moment of losing focus facilitated Rybakina in winning the set 6-4.
She did not let it distract her, though, as the Italian mounted an early assault in the decider, twice winning the opening two games before a resolute Rybakina came back. It was, however, the relentless determination of Paolini that proved the difference, winning 6-4 in the third set to get through.
The result makes it Paolini's first-ever major semifinal, where she will now wait for the winner of the Sabalenka-Andreeva match. Meanwhile, on the men's side, his compatriot and very good friend Jannik Sinner assured himself a spot in the semis and will face Carlos Alcaraz.
Paolini's fortnight continues beyond her impressive run in the singles draw, as she will team up with another compatriot and tennis connoisseur, Sara Errani, in the women's doubles quarterfinals. After a recent doubles win in Rome, Paolini and Errani will look to march into the semifinals on Court 14 against Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider.
She now ranks 15th in the world and is among the elite Italian tennis players who established a great legacy at Roland Garros during the Open Era: Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani, and Martina Trevisan. She belongs to this side, along with the likes of Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva: one of the few players to shine in both singles and doubles competitions in Paris, proving that versatility and ability on the court.
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