«Raising the bar higher and higher, even just a little bit, is the real daily challenge that one has to face, with the pleasure of trying and enjoying the journey and waiting to see what the destination will be». That’s what his coach Renzo said Furlan at the end of 2023 and summarized a season that Jasmine had brought Paolini to get into the top 30 in the world. The 28-year-old from Bagni di took these words literally Luccawhich continues its rise with results at the beginning of 2024: achieved at Australian Open For the first time the round of 16 at a Slam, now here comes the first semi-final at one WTA 1000. And it doesn’t matter that a Dubai reached the penultimate act without entering the field, benefiting from the Kazakh Elena’s retreat RybakinaNo. 4 in the world for a gastrointestinal virus.
Paolini: “A goal that gives me confidence”
«I was eating when my coach came and told me that he had spoken to Rybakina’s coach and that she was retiring – the Tuscan, practically No. 21 in the ranking, explained in the press conference -. It’s something strange: of course I’m happy, it’s hard not to be since it’s my first semi-final at a WTA 1000, but I hope Elena recovers soon. It’s a goal that gives me confidence, especially considering that I played three good games here against strong opponents like Haddad Maia, Fernandez and Sakkari. I’m happy because I started this season well, but we keep working, trying to improve and keep focusing on the process». Between Paolini and the final in the morning is the Romanian Sorana Cirstea (live on Sky Tennis TV), who won 2:6, 7:6 (1), 6:2 over the Czech Marketa Vondrousova (No. 8) recovered from 1-5 in the 2nd set and destroyed 6 match points. «I have faced her before and know how well she plays. But I try to concentrate on my tennis and do the best for myself» Jas drops out after winning both previous sets in three sets against the 33-year-old from Bucharest (No. 22). In the other semi-final, the Polish Iga Swiatek meets the Russian Anna Kalinskayawho surprised the American Coco Gauff (2-6 6-4 6-2).
Alcaraz isn’t serious
On the men’s front: Carlos Alcaraz reassures fans after withdrawing from Rio 500 due to right ankle injury: “The MRI revealed that I have a second degree lateral ankle sprain. I have to stay away for a few days, see you in Las Vegas and Indian Wells» writes the Spaniard on social media. Meanwhile, starting next week in Dubai, 39-year-old Frenchman Gilles Simon, who retired in November 2022, will join Daniil Medvedev’s team alongside coach Gilles Cervara.
Make room for young people
First ATP semi-final for Jakub Monthlywho defeated Andrey 6:4, 7:6(6) in Doha Rublev achieve his first success in the top 5. The 18-year-old Czech is now challenging the experienced Frenchman Gael Monfils. But also others Next Generation they come to light. In Los Cabos, 19-year-old Alex Michelsen reached the quarterfinals, leaving five games to Australian Alex De Minaur (6-4, 6-1), fresh from the final in Rotterdam, the first top 10 beaten by the Yankees. And on the sand of Rio, Brazilian Joao Fonseca became the first player of 2006 to win a main round game on the tour by dominating Frenchman Fils (6-0, 6-4).
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