Paolini defeats Cristian after a rollercoaster match
© AFP
Jasmine Paolini and Jaqueline Cristian faced each other for the first time in their careers.
The match lived up to its promises and concluded with a victory for Paolini, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
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Despite being broken twice in the final set, the Italian managed to pull through after 2 hours and 24 minutes of play.
In her post-match interview, she was asked how she managed to turn things around. Someone in the crowd then shouted, "Italian power!"
The reaction made Paolini smile, and she added, "I’m thrilled that Italian power won. Today, the crowd was incredible. Even those who supported Jaqueline.
I know it was a bit late, but I really enjoyed being on the court. This tournament is tennis paradise."
She will face Liudmila Samsonova in the next round.
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