In an intense quarterfinal match at the AUX Ningbo Open, Jasmine Paolini defeated Belinda Bencic in a grueling 3-hour and 22-minute encounter. The match concluded with scores of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, keeping Paolini’s hopes alive for qualification to the prestigious WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Path to the WTA Finals
With this win, Paolini is just one victory away from securing her place in the season-ending tournament. To guarantee her spot, she must triumph over Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. Rybakina, the No. 3 seed, maintained her chances for the finals following a convincing 6-2, 6-0 win against Ajla Tomljanovic.
Current Qualification Scenario
- If Paolini wins: She automatically qualifies for Riyadh.
- If Rybakina wins: The last two spots for the finals will remain contested among Paolini, Rybakina, and Mirra Andreeva, who requires a wild card to compete.
Both players are also set to participate in the upcoming Toray Pan Pacific Open. Meanwhile, Bencic’s defeat, combined with Ekaterina Alexandrova’s victory, confirmed Alexandrova’s position as an alternate for the WTA Finals.
Players’ Perspectives
Reflecting on the high-pressure match, Paolini acknowledged the difficulty of staying focused amidst the prospect of Riyadh. “I try to think only about the tennis,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of performing well to secure her position.
Rybakina shared her perspective, recognizing the challenges ahead. “I know I need to win many matches,” she said, while stressing the priority of maintaining her health during this demanding season.
Match Highlights
This match became the longest of Paolini’s season and marked the first time since 2022 that she exceeded the three-hour mark. It was a significant battle where Bencic, who had previously won the year’s longest match, struggled with physical limitations, requiring medical attention during the decisive moments.
Turning Points
Paolini had to come back from a set down and even faced a break down in the second set. Notably, she saved multiple break points while serving in crucial moments, which ultimately shifted the momentum in her favor.
Paolini’s resilience led her to win crucial games, turning the match around after initially trailing. “I just tried to stay focused every point,” she remarked after the match.
Conclusion and Future Matches
As Paolini gears up for her semifinal showdown with Rybakina, the stakes are high. A victory would not only secure her future but also intensify the competition for the remaining spots in the WTA Finals. Fans are keenly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying semifinal clash.
