Paolini Stages a Comeback to Defeat Shnaider and Reach the Semifinals in Rome
The first women’s quarterfinal of the WTA 1000 in Rome is underway. The crowd favorite, Jasmine Paolini, aimed to reach the semifinals in the Eternal City for the first time in her career.
To do so, she had to overcome Diana Shnaider, who had been dominant in her first three matches to advance to the quarterfinals. The Russian has regained her form after a tough start to the season.
After her victories against Caroline Dolehide (6-0, 6-0), Jaqueline Cristian (6-3, 6-3), and Elise Mertens (6-2, 6-3), the world No. 11 hoped to deliver another strong performance. However, the challenge was daunting against Paolini, who has returned to the top 5 and has been buoyed this week by unwavering support from her home crowd.
Despite a dream start, with the Italian racing to a 4-0 lead, her opponent gradually found her rhythm. Shnaider then won five consecutive games before clinching the first set in a one-sided tiebreak (7-1).
Shnaider, riding the momentum, continued her dominance and even led 4-0 in the second set. In a reversal of the opening set, Paolini turned the tables, winning six straight games to force a decisive third set—much to the delight of the spectators.
After a bathroom break, the Russian returned with renewed determination, breaking Paolini early with a flurry of winners. But Paolini quickly recovered before dominating the final stretch, winning the last six games (6-7, 6-4, 6-2).
Having fought back from the brink, the Italian is the first woman to secure a spot in the semifinals of this year’s Rome tournament. She will face either Elina Svitolina or Peyton Stearns for a place in the final.
