DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Jasmine Paolini of Italy secured her spot in the final of the Dubai Championships after defeating Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 7-6 (6) in a hard-fought match on Friday. Paolini's victory was marked by her resilience as she saved six set points in the second set, showcasing her determination and skill on the court.
The 28-year-old Italian expressed her satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the intensity of the match in her post-game interview. With this triumph, Paolini advances to her first WTA 1000 final, where she will face either top-ranked Iga Swiatek or qualifier Anna Kalinskaya in the upcoming final on Saturday.
In a match that lasted just under two hours, Paolini demonstrated her prowess against her Romanian opponent, currently ranked 26th in the world. This victory places Paolini on the brink of claiming her second tour-level title, following her previous success at Portoroz, Slovenia in 2021.
Paolini's recent performance at the Australian Open, where she reached the fourth round, marked a significant milestone in her career. Despite her loss to Kalinskaya in straight sets at the Grand Slam event, Paolini's consistent progress has been evident as she continues to climb the rankings.
Following her win in Dubai, Paolini is set to break into the top 20 for the first time in her career when the new rankings are released next week. Having entered the top 30 last October, Paolini's ascent in the world of tennis reflects her dedication and skill as a professional athlete.
