Jasmine Paolini Enters Maiden Quarterfinals At The Championships As She Survives Major Test

The number 7 seed and Roland Garros runner up Jasmine Paolini faced a big hitting 12th seed Madison Keys who was going to pull off an upset until an unfortunate injury forced a tearful retirement. The Italian safely advances to week two of the Slam and makes her maiden quarterfinals after the victory over the American in 3 sets, 6-3, 6-7(6), 5-5(Ret.). The match took 2 hours and 23 minutes on court 1. 

© 2024 Robert Prange

It was an unfortunate day for the American as she pulled out with a left thigh injury while trying to serve out the match leading 5-2 in the third set. A medical time-out was called for the trainer in the next game. With a heavily strapped thigh, Keys was barely able to walk between points.

It was a rollercoaster match for both, and a brutal day as the game came and went for Keys. But Paolini did play well to keep her opponent at bay. 

Paolini is in great form and is playing fantastic tennis. Prior to this season she had only won 4 singles matches out of her last 16 Grand Slam appearances. However, just this season alone, she made the last 16 at the Australian Open, the finals at the French Open and is now into the final 8 at Wimbledon. Also, prior to this season, Paolini had never won a tour-level main draw match on grass, let alone winning a match at Wimbledon. This has been a great season for the seventh seed, as she ticks off one achievement after another. 

There are major upsets in the Ladies Draw at The Championships as only 2 of the top 10 seeds remain in contention for the title this year. Only Jasmine Paolini (7) and Elena Rybakina (4) are left in the draw. Rybakina has yet to play her round of 16 match, and if she does survive that, Rybakina will be the most likely player to lift the trophy this year. If Rybakina crashes out, anyone in the last eight could have a go at the title this year.