Andrea Innocenti The WTA 1000 in Wuhan was transformed into the arena where Tuscan Jasmine Paolini once again demonstrated her ability to withstand the pressures of the big stage. After opening her tournament with a resounding victory over Czech Sara Bejlek, the 15th seed faced her toughest challenge yet against Nikola Bartunkova, advancing to the round of 16 in two sets.
Second round: Paolini defeats Sara Bejlek 6-3, 6-4
The match against Sara Bejlek gave the Tuscan a first taste of what would be her journey in Wuhan. Paolini began the first set dominantly: she broke in the second game thanks to a double fault from her opponent, and although she failed to consolidate it on two occasions, she managed to hold the lead until 6-3.
The second set required more stamina; after losing an early break, Paolini fought back with three consecutive games, regaining her serve at 4-3 and closing out the set at 6-4, thus securing her place in the next round.
Round of 16: Victory over Nikola Bartunkova (7-6, 6-3)
In her match against the young Czech Nikola Bartunkova, the 29th-ranked Paolini immediately found herself two breaks down (2-5).
Her reaction was immediately evident: she reduced the deficit, forced a tie-break, and, with her experience, closed it out 7-5. The second set saw the Tuscan raise the bar, capitalizing on the opening break and defending eight break opportunities from her opponents, closing out a resounding 6-3 victory in less than two hours of play.
Technical analysis of the match
The key was Paolini's ability to handle moments of pressure. In the first set, her response to Bartunkova's break came with an incisive forehand that set the pace, while her serve allowed her to maintain pressure on Bartunkova's returns. In the second set, her accurate volleys and ability to block Bartunkova's breaks (8 of 10 saved) demonstrated a tactical maturity rare at this level.
Doubles with Sara Errani: a spectacular comeback
In addition to singles, Paolini continued to shine in doubles, pairing with Sara Errani . The two Italians overcame Mihalikova/Nicholls (4-6, 6-2, 10-5) to reach the quarterfinals, a crucial result to maintain the WTA Race high in the specialty. Their next opponent, the second-seeded pairing of Danilina/Zhang, will make the match even more exciting.
Future prospects: The next obstacle against Sonay Kartal
Having reached the round of 16, Paolini will face Britain's Sonay Kartal, currently ranked 170th in the world but in contention with a protected ranking thanks to a brilliant 2025 season (44th). Kartal has shown excellent form, overcoming Switzerland's Belinda Bencic (no. 12). The match promises to be a duel of experience against a talented youngster, with Paolini the favorite but aware of the need not to underestimate her opponent.
Jasmine Paolini's performance in Wuhan confirms her continued growth on the women's tour. From rising from 33rd in the rankings to the 15th seed, the Tuscan has demonstrated the ability to respond to difficult moments, manage her mental game in tie-breaks, and maintain consistency in doubles. If she continues on this path, her next goal will be to overcome Kartal and aim for the semifinals, a feat that would bring her even closer to the world's top 10.