Written by Richard Pagliaro | @Itenisi_Manje | Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Photo credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson
Jasmine Paolini it does not shrink from great challenges.
The 5'4″ Paolini had never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam before the start of the season.
Jazz Rocks: Paolini Shocks Rybakina
Tomorrow, Paolini will play Mirra Andreeva a place in the finals of Roland Garros.
12th-seeded Paolini surprised world No. 4 Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to fight for his first Grand Slam semifinal in his 18th major appearance.
Afterwards, Paolini shared his one wish: To be tall.
“I wish I was taller, because I could work better,” said Paolini. “But I think, you know, I accept that I have to deal with my body. I mean, I'm short. Okay, we try not to make it an issue, you know, we try to do something different. To improve another aspect, like serving.
“I mean I wish I was taller, but it's okay, but I'm not.”
Despite being one of the shortest players in the Top 20, Paolini used his speed and accuracy to back up his offense today. Paolini didn't drop a point in his second match until the second set, about 44 minutes into the match.
The win moved Paolini to a career high of 10.
Now, the pressure is on as she faces talented youngster Andreeva, who defeated Paolini 7-6(2), 6-4 in the round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open last month.
“With Mirra, it will be a tough game,” said Paolini. “I played against him in Madrid, and he's a really good player, I think. He's very small but he's good, he's very good mentally, and he can defend very well. He can serve well.
“It will be a difficult game, but we are in the semifinals, so there is no chance of easy games.”
Paolini, 28, returned to the court partnering with Sara Errani in a victory that put them in the doubles semifinals. Andreeva has withdrawn from her scheduled doubles match with former world number one Vera Zvonareva to rest and recover from tomorrow's singles semi-final.
“I decide to play twice here,” said Paolini. “For me, it's as important as singles because if you enter a competition, in my opinion, you have to finish.
“But you know, that's my decision. I understand the other side. I don't want to criticize anyone. But for me it was important to step on the court and try to win the quarterfinals in doubles.”
Photo credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson
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