Paolini joins Svitolina in the third round of the Australian Open
Jasmine Paolini will reach the third round at the Australian Open. Last season's revelation, the Italian must confirm her progress this year.
For the first Grand Slam of the season, the world number 4 defeated Wei Sijia (6-0, 6-4) in her opening match.
The Roland-Garros and Wimbledon finalist confirmed her form against Renata Zarazua. The Mexican, ranked 70th in the world, had defeated Taylor Townsend (6-7, 6-1, 6-2).
A solid Paolini (19 winners, 5 aces and 7 converted break points out of 11) won without forcing her talent (6-2, 6-3 in just 1h15 of play).
Her first real test comes in the next round, when she takes on Elina Svitolina for a place in the last 16.
The Ukrainian won the 100th Grand Slam match of her career against Caroline Dolehide earlier in the day (6-1, 6-4). The two players will be facing each other for the first time.