After coming close to her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, Jasmine Paolini believes consistency is key to having another shot at glory.
The 28-year-old dropped only one set en route to becoming the first Italian woman to reach a Wimbledon final. However, she was denied the title by Barbora Krejcikova, who won in three sets. Paolini was broken once in the decider which was due to a double fault from the Italian following an unsuccessful hawk-eye challenge made on her first serve. Then she failed to convert two break points when down 4-5 before Krejcikova held to seal glory.
“I started bad,” she reflected afterwards.
“I took some time and try to relax and to come back in the second set stronger to try to push the ball more because I was a little bit controlling too much, and I missed a lot of shots.
“She was playing, honestly, very good the first set. She was serving really, really good. High percentage of first serves.
“It was tough but I think I did better than the last final (at the French Open), but still it’s not enough.”
Prior to Saturday, Paolini had scored wins over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, Medison Keys (via retirement) and a marathon victory over Donna Vedic. She has now won 15 Grand Slam matches in 2024 compared to just one last season.
The defeat comes less than two months after the French Open where Paolini contested her first major final but lost in two sets to world No.1 Iga Swiatek. Since the start of this season, she has risen more than 20 places in the rankings and will reach No.5 on Monday.
Despite being in her late 20s, the Italian is producing some of her best tennis on the Tour. Something she credits to a combination of things.
“I improved my game a little bit. I believe more in myself. I improved my serve. I think I improve the return.” She explained.
“I think physically I’m better than two years ago. I’ve been working with a new fitness coach for one-and-a-half years.
“There are many things, I think. Not just one. I think also winning matches helps a lot.”
Whilst she is heading in the right direction on the Tour, Paolini has vowed not to get too ahead of herself.
“Sometimes I’m a little bit scared to dream too much.” she said.
“I’m going back, trying to practice and stay in the present. This is the goal for me and my team, to try to keep this level as much as possible.
“If I keep this level, I think I can have the chance to do great things.
“Today I was dreaming of holding the (Wimbledon) trophy but it didn’t go well.
“I’m just enjoying the position where I am right now.”
Paolini has won 30 out of 43 matches on the Tour so far this season.
