Paolini, beaming: "It worked, I'm on the moon (laughs)".
Jasmine Paolini qualified for the first Grand Slam semi-final of her career this Wednesday at Roland-Garros. She defeated Elena Rybakina in a magnificent match on Court Philippe Chatrier, where the sun has finally come out. The 28-year-old Italian was obviously delighted with her performance and her achievement. Her huge smile said it all as she answered Marion Bartoli's questions.
Jasmine Paolini: "It's an incredible feeling. It was a very tough match. I think I got a little too emotional in the 2nd set, but I said to myself 'Ok, that's fine, she's a great champion (Rybakina) so this is what can happen'. And I just fought, to stay in contact, to try and return every ball. And it worked, I'm here, I'm on the moon (laughs).
The key was to stay focused on every point. To forget what happened in the 2nd set (she was leading 6-2, 4-3, 40-15). Because... it can happen, it's tennis, it's normal. I managed to stay focused, even though I lost my break twice again. I just accepted that and fought again.
Thank you very much (to the spectators and in French). It's my first time on this magnificent court. It's a pleasure and, I think, a privilege. I'm delighted to have won my first match here. It's one of the best tennis courts in the world, that's for sure (big smile)."
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