Paolini Advances to Ningbo Quarterfinals Edge Closer to WTA Finals Berth

Jasmine Paolini is on the brink of qualifying for the WTA Finals in Riyadh after her victory over Veronika Kudermetova. The No. 2 seed secured a 6-2, 7-5 win in the second round of the AUX Ningbo tournament, moving closer to an outright qualification for the prestigious event.

Path to the WTA Finals

To qualify directly for the WTA Finals, Paolini must reach the final in Ningbo. If No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina faces an early exit before the semifinals, a spot in the last four would also secure her place in Riyadh.

Upcoming Match

In the quarterfinals, Paolini will challenge No. 6 seed Belinda Bencic. The previous matchups favor Bencic, who leads their head-to-head record, 2-1.

Focus on Performance

Despite the pressure of potential qualification, Paolini intends to concentrate solely on her game. “I’m trying to focus on the court, on the next one,” she stated during an on-court interview. “It’s something on my mind, of course, but I try to stay focused on tennis and what I have to do.”

Match Insights

Against Kudermetova, Paolini showcased impressive consistency and aggression, landing 75% of her first serves. She recorded 14 winners but also had 17 unforced errors, a notable aspect of her performance.

• Kudermetova’s first-serve percentage was only 55%.
• She hit 22 winners but accrued 38 unforced errors.
• Both players exchanged breaks early in each set, highlighting their fluctuating forms.

In the closing moments of the second set, Kudermetova nearly leveled the match but faltered with a third double fault at a crucial point, allowing Paolini to secure her victory.

Current Statistics

Paolini’s victory improves her record against Kudermetova to 4-2 overall and marks her second win in 2025, following a previous semifinal triumph in Cincinnati.