WTA Rome, Jasmine Paolini flies to quarterfinals: "Playing here is a dream"
Jasmine Paolini is the first Italian tennis player to qualify for the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 in Rome eleven years after her doubles partner Sara Errani. The Tuscan tennis player in the round of 16 bent in two sets Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, world number 18, who has never been beaten earlier in her career.
Jasmine won 7-5, 6-2 in one’hour and 44 minutes and was the protagonist of a crescendo performance: after a difficult first partial, where she was down 4-2 again, the Azzurra slowly took control of the match also thanks to her opponent’s decline, and in the second set she was always in control.
Paolini will face Russian Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals, who overcame Belgian Elise Mertens in the other eighth. “Shnaider is a dangerous, left-handed player. It will be a tough match, but I am here to fight” said Jasmine.
“I stuck to every point, slowly I found my way and I am happy. The audience is special, playing with a full Central is a dream. I enjoyed it to the fullest. I am satisfied because I stayed there in the tough moments, trying not to give her rhythm since she hits winning shots from all parts of the court. I am happy to have brought it home, especially here in Rome”.
