Jasmine Paolini kicked off her WTA Finals journey with an impressive victory, defeating Elena Rybakina 7-6(5), 6-4 in her debut match in Riyadh. This win marks a significant milestone for Paolini, as it’s her 40th victory of the year, showcasing her remarkable progress throughout the season.
Notably, Paolini becomes the first Italian woman to compete and win a match at the WTA Finals since Flavia Pennetta in 2015. In her breakthrough season, nearly half of her wins—19 out of 40—have come at the year’s major tournaments, including Grand Slams and the WTA Finals. Paolini reached the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while also performing well in the other majors.
The match against Rybakina was tightly contested, especially during the first set, which stretched to a tiebreak. After falling behind, Paolini rallied to take control and eventually clinched the set after four set points. In the second set, she managed to secure the only break at a critical moment, sealing her victory.
“I’m really happy with the win today,” said the world No. 4. “Elena is playing unbelievable tennis, and it’s always tough to face her with her big serve and powerful shots.”
Rybakina, making her return after more than two months, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with unforced errors and converting break points. Despite her defeat, she acknowledged the positives of her performance and looked forward to improving in her next match.
With this win, Paolini joins Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the Purple Group, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
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