Paolini overcomes Kudermetova to reach Cincinnati final against Swiatek

In Cincinnati, Jasmine Paolini will compete in the third WTA 1000 final of her career and her second this year.

The Italian, back in the spotlight this week after eliminating Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals, prevailed over Veronika Kudermetova, ranked 36th in the world, on Sunday. The 28-year-old player reached the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in over two years.

The match initially seemed one-sided, with Paolini securing a break at love in the first set at 4-3, allowing her to take control on the scoreboard. In command, the world No. 9 broke her opponent’s serve midway through the second set and appeared to be cruising toward victory.

But when serving for the match at 6-3, 5-4, her nerves began to show. Kudermetova seized the opportunity, earning her first break points of the match. On the third chance, a long backhand from Paolini handed the Russian a way back into the contest.

Relieved, Kudermetova dominated the second-set tiebreak, winning it 7-2. While Paolini could have faltered in the decisive set, the Italian regained her momentum, converting all three break opportunities (3/3) to take Kudermetova’s serve at 3-2, just as she had in the second set.

In the following game, the two-time Grand Slam finalist saved three break points before consolidating her lead and closing out the semifinal 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 in 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Tomorrow, Paolini will face Iga Swiatek, aiming for the tenth title of her career. She has never defeated the Polish player in their five previous meetings on tour.