Jasmine Paolini faces mission impossible when she takes on world No 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek in the French Open final on Saturday from 2pm [UK and Irish time].
While few would have bet against Swiatek reaching a third successive Paris final, Italian Paolini’s emergence from the other side of the draw was a huge surprise.
The 28-year-old had never even been past the second round at a Grand Slam until this year, and her 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarter-final was one of the shocks of the tournament.
- Iga Swiatek sweeps aside teary Coco Gauff to book final against Jasmine Paolini
- Andy Murray set to play Stuttgart Open – live on Sky Sports
- What next for Emma Raducanu? Wimbledon preparation
- Stream ATP & WTA Tour tennis and more with NOW
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Paolini came from a set down to defeat Anna Kalinskaya in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships
But the late bloomer has enjoyed a breakthrough year, beginning with a run to the fourth round in Australia and taking in a WTA 1000 title win in Dubai in February.
As an experienced Tour player, Paolini is certainly not likely to suffer a bout of the nerves which crippled 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in their semi-final.
She used her booming forehand to devastating effect and faces the ultimate challenge in Swiatek for a shot at her maiden Slam title.
“Iga is an unbelievable player,” said Paolini. “So young, but so many achievements and grand slams. Here she won three times.
“She’s doing well week by week, and that’s not easy. So I have huge respect for her.
“But my goal is to step on court on Saturday and try to enjoy the match, to enjoy that moment and to try to play a good match and to make a good performance on court.”
Paolini has played Swiatek twice before, a 6-2 6-1 defeat in Prague six years ago and a 6-3 6-0 reverse in the first round of the 2022 US Open, which the Pole went on to win.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Since surviving a match point in the second round against Naomi Osaka, in arguably the match of the tournament, Swiatek’s route to the final has been more like a procession.
She won 20 games in a row over three matches against Marie Bouzkova (6-4 6-2), Anastasia Potapova (6-0 6-0) and Marketa Vondrousova (6-0 6-2), before rolling over Coco Gauff 6-2 6-4 in the semi-final.
Paolini may just have the element of surprise in her favour, though.
Swiatek said: “We played a long time ago, so I need to prepare tactically and see what her game is at now because for sure she’s playing… she has the best season, so she must have changed something.
“We’ll see because, honestly, I haven’t watched her matches, so there’s not a lot for me to say. I’ll just focus on myself and prepare tactically and try to be consistent with my tactics.”
Paolini has two shots at a Roland Garros title after reaching the final of the women’s doubles with fellow Italian Sara Errani.
They beat Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse and will face Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova in Sunday’s final.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the epic Madrid Open final between Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka
- Get Sky Sports Tennis | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
- Download the Sky Sports App I Follow @SkySportsTennis
- Rafael Nadal: The King of Clay staring at the end of his career
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.
- Stuttgart Open (ATP 250 with Andy Murray in action) – June 10-16
- Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
Crayola Crayons Bulk, 24 Crayon Packs with 24 Assorted Colors, School Supplies
$25.00 (as of June 28, 2024 21:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door, Adjustable Thermostat, Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Baby Blue-BR321
$179.99 (as of June 28, 2024 21:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery…
$17.99 (as of June 28, 2024 21:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal
$27.99 (as of June 28, 2024 21:10 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
