Jasmine Paolini admits she used to find it a ‘nightmare’ to play big-hitting players but now she is ready for the challenge at Wimbledon. 

The world No.7 is through to the fourth round of the grasscourt major for the first time in her career after rallying to a 7-6(4), 6-1, win over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu. Before this season, she had never won a Tour-level match on the grass. She has now won 12 Grand Slam matches in 2024 which is the joint-highest on the WTA Tour with Coco Gauff, who will play later today. 

“I’m feeling good. Every match, it’s different,” said Paolini. 
“I think I played really good three matches, especially the second and the third one. The first one I think I was a little bit more nervous.
“I’m just thinking of trying to play point by point. But it’s not easy.”

Things will only get harder for Paolini who will next take on Madison Keys. A player that is known as a tricky opponent at major events. Illustrated by the fact she has reached a Grand Slam fourth round or better on 20 separate occasions since 2015. 

In their only previous meeting on the Tour, Keys thrashed Paolini 6-1, 6-1, with the use of her powerful hitting. However, this time round the Italian believes she is better prepared to deal with that power. 

“It was a nightmare facing those players,” Paolini said in Italian when asked about facing powerful players.
“Against everyone, you can win or lose, but at least you can play a match with them. I just couldn’t stay in the match.
“Now I’m a bit more comfortable, more confident.”

Regardless of what happens, the 28-year-old has already sealed her name in the history books by becoming the first woman from her country to reach the fourth round or better at the first three Grand Slams of a season. 

“It’s strange,” she said of the achievement. “When I was watching the girls (Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta etc) that were winning slams, making finals, I felt like they were so far from me.
“It’s something that of course I’m proud of, but it sounds a little bit strange.”

Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur has reiterated her concerns that the current Tour structure could put players in danger after moving into the third round at Wimbledon. 

The world No.10 moved into the last 32 after defeating Robin Montgomery 6-1, 7-5, on Thursday at The All England Club. Jabeur has now claimed 19 wins at Wimbledon since her debut in 2017, which is more than any other female player during this period. She is yet to drop a set in this year’s draw. 

This week marks Jabeur’s 13th tournament of the season which is less than some of her peers. She missed some events during the Middle East swing due to a long-term knee issue that she continues to manage. An issue she links to the current demands placed on players. 

“The scheduling and the amount of tournaments that they (the WTA) are adding right now doesn’t really help. Not just me, but any other player,” she said.
“I think we’ll see the results in a couple of years when you see like a lot of players are injured. It’s just Wimbledon right now. 
“I’m really curious how players will play the Olympics and the hard court season. Honestly, it’s going to be very tough.”

Both Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka have withdrawn from Wimbledon this year due to shoulder injuries. Something that is likely linked to the number of matches they play. 

The most simple thing for players to do to protect their health is to streamline their schedule. However, that it isn’t always that easy with mandatory tournaments and rankings points up for grabs. A reason why Jabeur says she no longer looks at the standings. 

“I stopped looking a lot at the rankings because I enter everywhere.” She said.
“When I was outside of the top hundred or close to the top hundred, I was stressing a lot about the ranking. It did not do me any good. I was counting every point. If I win this, if I win that…
“At the end of the day, it is in my control to go and play the match full, do whatever you want, not look who is behind you, what they going to do. It was very stressful. I will not do that again.”

The Tunisian admits she does feel restricted by the WTA rules concerning mandatory tournaments. Although she concedes that playing those events is crucial in her bid to qualify for the WTA Finals, which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time this year. 

“I’m going with the flow and seeing (what happens), especially with my knee. For the first time, I’m trying to be cautious about the scheduling. Hopefully, I can make better decisions in the future.” She concludes. 

Emma Raducanu said the opportunity to play alongside Andy Murray at Wimbledon was one she instantly accepted without hesitation. 

Two of Britain’s most high-profile tennis players have joined forces to play in the mixed doubles tournament during what is expected to be Murray’s final appearance at the Grand Slam as a player. It is rare for Raducanu to play doubles and she has only played one such match on the WTA Tour so far in her career. Although she jumped at the chance to take part in what she describes as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’

“I think some things are bigger than just tennis. I think some things are a once-in-a-lifetime memory that you’re going to have for the rest of your life. To play at Wimbledon with Andy Murray, those things don’t come by.” Raducanu said after beating Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2, in the second round. 
“At the end of my life, at the end of my career when I’m like 70 years old, I know I’m going to have that memory of playing Wimbledon with Andy Murray in a home slam.”

Speaking on the court, the 21-year-old described playing alongside Murray as a dream of her that originated from watching him play mixed doubles at the London 2012 Olympics. On that occasion, the former world No.1 partnered with Laura Robson and claimed a silver medal.  

“Seeing him (Murray) win silver here with Laura, I was so far away from it at that time, it was like a faraway dream.” She said. 
“I think it’s important to not lose sight of that, not let go of those feelings as a kid, why you started playing sport and why you want to play on these big courts.
“It’s just a real honour and I’m just really excited.”

As for the singles, Raducanu is continuing her recent spike in form at The All England Club. Coming into this week, she reached the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open before going to beat a top 10 player for the first time in Eastbourne. 

In the third round, she will play Greece’s Maria Sakkari in what will be the first meeting between the two since the 2021 US Open when Radcanu claimed her maiden Grand Slam title. However, that match has been played down as having any impact on the next. 

“Circumstances are different. It’s a third round compared to a semifinal. At the time the dynamics were also different. I was an unknown player pretty much.” Raducanu explains.
“I’m expecting a really tough match.
“It’s going to be one where I’m the complete underdog and I can just enjoy playing in my home crowd, just keep having fun and trying to stay an extra day.”