Italian tennis player Jasmine Paolini is on the verge of securing her place at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. She achieved a significant victory against Veronika Kudermetova, winning 6-2, 7-5 in the second round of the AUX Ningbo tournament.
Path to the WTA Finals
Paolini, seeded No. 2, needs to reach the finals in Ningbo to qualify for the prestigious year-end tournament. If No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina is eliminated before the semifinals, Paolini can advance even if she only reaches the last four.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Matchup
The upcoming quarterfinals will pit Paolini against No. 6 seed Belinda Bencic, whom she has faced three times before. Bencic leads their head-to-head record with two wins to Paolini’s one.
Focus on Performance
Despite the implications of this match, Paolini emphasizes the importance of staying focused. “I’m trying to focus on the court, on the next one,” she stated in her on-court interview. She acknowledges the WTA Finals as a goal but stresses the need to concentrate on her game.
Match Statistics Against Kudermetova
- First serve percentage: Paolini – 75%, Kudermetova – 55%
- Winners: Paolini – 14, Kudermetova – 22
- Unforced errors: Paolini – 17, Kudermetova – 38
- Match record against Kudermetova: Paolini leads 4-2
During the match, Kudermetova initially broke Paolini’s serve in both sets but struggled to maintain her lead. Despite some impressive plays, she ultimately succumbed to errors, concluding the match with a critical double fault at match point.
Conclusion
Paolini’s advancing performance and her upcoming match against Bencic are crucial steps toward her goal of participating in the WTA Finals. Her ability to maintain focus and composure amidst pressure will be key to her success in Ningbo.
