Jasmine Paolini Off to Strong Start at Australian Open with Dominant Win

Jasmine Paolini makes a strong start to the Australian Open, defeating Wei Sijia in straight sets and setting her sights on a first Grand Slam title.

Italian tennis player Jasmine Paolini made a strong start to the Australian Open, cruising through to the second round with a convincing 6-0, 6-4 win over Chinese qualifier Wei Sijia on Tuesday. Paolini's victory marked a triumphant return to the Grand Slam tournament that launched her successful season last year.

Although Wei, a Grand Slam debutant, offered little resistance in the first set, she provided a sterner test for Paolini in the second. The Italian player had to elevate her game to overcome Wei, securing a crucial break in the fifth game with a forehand return winner. Wei saved a match point at 5-3, but Paolini ultimately served out the match in the next game, finishing with a flourish as she smashed a cross-court forehand winner to delight the Italian fans in attendance.

Paolini expressed her delight at the victory, saying, “I feel very happy, of course. It's not always easy to play the first round... I had a solid serve today.” The Italian player also shared her enthusiasm for being back in Australia, stating, “It's great to be back in Australia.”

Jasmine Paolini's remarkable 2024 season was marked by a series of impressive achievements. She reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, qualified for the WTA Finals, and won the women's doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics alongside Sara Errani. Additionally, Paolini played a crucial role in Italy's fifth Billie Jean King Cup title in November.

Now, Paolini has set her sights on claiming her first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park. Her previous experience at the tournament has been a transformative one. Last year, she reached the fourth round, a significant improvement from her earlier struggles at the event. Recalling her mindset last year, Paolini told reporters with a laugh, “Last year I came here, like, 'Please I want to win a match at this Slam.” She continued, “Then it happened so I was a little bit more relaxed.”

Paolini's affection for the Australian Open and the city of Melbourne is evident. After defeating Wei in a dominant display at Margaret Court Arena, Paolini expressed her fondness for the tournament and its surroundings. “I love the tournament, I love the city and of course I love the people,” she said, highlighting the strong connection she feels with the event and its fans.

Jasmine Paolini's Australian Open campaign has received a boost, courtesy of a favorable draw. The Italian player will not face a top-10 opponent until the quarterfinals, where she may potentially meet sixth seed Elena Rybakina. Paolini's path to the semifinals appears relatively clear, with a possible matchup against world number two Iga Swiatek awaiting her.

Five feet of fury! No.4 seed @JasminePaolini powers into the second round, defeating Wei 6-0 6-4.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/7Zf30pd3t9

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025

Paolini's remarkable rise to prominence has coincided with Jannik Sinner's ascent in the men's circuit, propelling Italian tennis to unprecedented heights. The duo's success has given Italian fans plenty to cheer about, with world number one Sinner winning the Australian Open and US Open last year. As a result, Italian fans were treated to having players compete in singles finals at all four Grand Slams in 2024.

Paolini's next challenge comes in the form of Renata Zarazua from Mexico, with a place in the third round at stake.