Paolini defeats Haddad Maia and advances to semifinals in Bad Homburg

This Thursday marked the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 tournament in Bad Homburg. The first match of the day pitted Beatriz Haddad Maia against Jasmine Paolini. Seeded second in the tournament, the Italian aimed to build confidence on grass, especially with high stakes at Wimbledon, where she reached the Grand Slam final last season.

After her round of 16 victory against Leylah Fernandez, the world No. 4 sought to confirm her form against the Brazilian, ranked 21st, who has been regaining momentum after a tough start to the season.

Following a straight-sets win against American lucky loser Ashlyn Krueger (6-1, 6-4), Haddad Maia then overcame Elina Svitolina in a thrilling round of 16 clash (3-6, 6-4, 7-6).

In the first set, Paolini pulled ahead to lead 5-3, but the Brazilian broke back just as her opponent was serving for the set. However, mentally stronger, last year’s two-time Grand Slam finalist finished stronger, taking the final two games to claim the set. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Paolini leading 3-1 and seemingly on her way to victory.

But, as in the first set, the 29-year-old fought back, winning three consecutive games to take a 4-3 lead. Paolini, who tightened her game at the crucial moment, managed to regain control and sealed the win in straight sets (7-5, 7-5 in 1 hour and 35 minutes). Paolini advances to the semifinals and will face either Iga Swiatek or Ekaterina Alexandrova this Friday for a spot in the final.