ROME – Jelena Ostapenko battled back from a set down to defeat Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 in a captivating third-round match at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday. The victory sends the Latvian into the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event, continuing a strong run of form for the 2017 French Open champion. The match, lasting over three hours, showcased dramatic swings in momentum and highlighted Ostapenko’s aggressive power against Paolini’s resilience.
The early stages of the match suggested a favorable outcome for the Italian, currently ranked No. 6 in the world. Paolini, buoyed by the home crowd at the Foro Italico, secured an initial break and navigated a tense first set. A marathon fifth game, lasting 16 points, saw Paolini fend off a break point with an ace to maintain her advantage. She eventually broke Ostapenko again to lead 4-2, seemingly in control. However, Ostapenko, known for her unwavering intensity, began to find her range, breaking back and leveling the set at 5-5. A crucial break at 7-5, secured with a cross-court forehand winner, handed Ostapenko the opening set after a grueling 67 minutes.
Paolini responded emphatically in the second set, demonstrating the form that has propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 4. She raced to a 3-0 lead, capitalizing on a dip in Ostapenko’s accuracy. While Ostapenko briefly threatened a comeback, Paolini consolidated her advantage, securing the set 6-2 with a dominant display of groundstrokes and tactical play. The momentum had decisively shifted, and the Italian appeared poised to close out the match.
But Ostapenko, refusing to yield, launched a stunning resurgence in the deciding set. She broke Paolini’s serve immediately and quickly established a 3-0 lead, fueled by aggressive hitting and a renewed confidence. A remarkable stretch of seven consecutive games saw Ostapenko take a commanding 4-0 lead, leaving Paolini reeling. The Latvian’s power game proved difficult for Paolini to handle, with several blistering winners finding their mark.
However, Paolini, displaying the fighting spirit that has become her hallmark, refused to surrender. She began to claw her way back into the set, winning three games in a row to narrow the deficit to 4-3. A crucial hold of serve, punctuated by a well-placed forehand, brought her within striking distance. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Ostapenko served for the match at 5-4, but Paolini fought off multiple match points, eventually breaking back to level the set at 5-5.
The final games were a rollercoaster of emotions. Ostapenko faced pressure on her own serve, but managed to hold, regaining a 6-5 lead. She then earned two match points on Paolini’s serve, initially failing to convert as Paolini saved one with a net cord and the other with a double fault. Finally, on her third match point, Ostapenko unleashed her 12th ace of the match, sealing the victory 7-5 in the third set after a total of three hours and 18 minutes.
This victory is particularly significant for Ostapenko, who has been steadily improving her consistency on clay. It also marks a setback for Paolini, who was hoping to continue her impressive run on home soil after winning both the singles and doubles titles at the same tournament last year. The result also impacts the race to the WTA Finals, with both players vying for valuable ranking points.
Ostapenko’s aggressive style, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and a willingness to take risks, proved to be the decisive factor in the match. While Paolini demonstrated impressive resilience and tactical awareness, she ultimately couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure exerted by the Latvian. The match underscored Ostapenko’s ability to elevate her game in crucial moments and her unwavering belief in her own abilities.
Looking ahead, Ostapenko will face a challenging quarterfinal opponent as she continues her quest for the title in Rome. Paolini, despite the defeat, can take heart from her strong performance and will look to regroup for the upcoming clay court season, including the French Open. The Internazionali BNL d’Italia continues to deliver thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the tournament progresses.
The win marks a significant moment for Ostapenko, who now looks to build on this momentum as she progresses through the tournament. For Paolini, the defeat is undoubtedly disappointing, but her performance demonstrates her growing stature as a force in women’s tennis.
