Paolini optimistic after Miami defeat: "I will approach the clay season with more confidence"
Jasmine Paolini will not play in the WTA 1000 Miami final. The Italian, ranked 7th in the world, nevertheless regained her rhythm in Florida after a tricky start to the season. In her first semifinal of the year—becoming the first Italian woman to reach this stage in the tournament—she fell to a dominant Aryna Sabalenka (6-2, 6-2).
Despite the loss, Paolini leaves Miami with renewed confidence, having previously suffered early exits at the Australian Open (third round against Svitolina), Doha (third round against Ostapenko), and Dubai (also third round against Kenin), before reaching the round of 16 in Indian Wells last week.
"I didn’t get many chances to break her or hurt her—credit to her. She had a high first-serve percentage and hit so many winners, it was crazy. Maybe I could have served a bit better.
Now, I’ll approach the clay season with more confidence, even though it’s a different surface. It’s always good to test yourself against these kinds of players to see what’s missing in my game and where I stand. These two weeks have been positive," Paolini told Sky Sports Italia after her loss.
Miami 
