Jasmine Paolini struggles but advances in Beijing

WTA 1000 Beijing: Jasmine Paolini-Clara Tauson 1-6 7-5 6-4

Although suffering more than expected, Jasmine Paolini also advances in the singles draw of the WTA 1000 in Beijing, The Italian number one, in fact, defeated at the debut the Danish Clara Tauson with the score of 1-6 7-5 6-4, after a battle that lasted over two hours of play.

In the first set there'è only Tauson on the court, who quickly took a 5-0 lead. On the strength of the large lead, it becomes just a formality to win the partial set 6-1. In the second set, however, è Paolini to run away immediately in the score flying to 5-1. However, the Italian player goes into a prolonged break and suffers the Danish player’s comeback up to 5-5. Overcoming the blackout, the Italian number one manages to pick up the pace and place the decisive break in the 11th game, which then allows her to close the set on 7-5.

In the third partial, the two players manage to have more continuity and for long stretches equilibrium reigns. The real watershed of the match è the ninth game, where Tauson commits three gross errors that open the door wide to Paolini, who places the break and then ends the match on 6-4.

Failing to imitate her compatriot, however, was Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who succumbed to Elise Mertens with a score of 6-4 6-7 6-3, after a marathon two hours and forty-five minutes of play. The Ancona native comes out of this match with some regrets, especially in the first set where she squandered a 4-0 lead.