Jasmine Paolini In The Mood As She Races Into Second Round At Australian Open
NDTV
Jasmine Paolini underlined her Australian Open title credentials with an almost flawless march into the second round.
Jasmine Paolini underlined her Australian Open title credentials with an almost flawless march into the second round on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Italian inflicted a dreaded 'bagel' on Chinese qualifier Wei Sijia, who was making her Grand Slam debut, as she sprinted to a 6-0, 6-4 victory. In 2024, Paolini became the first Italian woman to make the last 16 at all four Grand Slams in the Open Era and won the title in Dubai in a breakthrough season that propelled her into the top five.
She also reached maiden major finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and the world number four is clearly in the mood to go all the way in Melbourne.
"Maybe everything began from here last year," said Paolini. "It gave me so much confidence.
"And it's great to be back here in Melbourne."
Paolini raced out of the blocks with an emphatic first-set performance, landing 81 percent of her first serves against the hapless world number 117.
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