Jasmine Paolini stuns Elena Rybakina, into maiden Grand Slam semi-final at French Open

After falling by the wayside at the latter stages of the 2024 Australian Open, Jasmine Paolini has broke new ground in seeing off Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her maiden Grand Slam semi-final in a shock win on Wednesday afternoon.

Paolini who is 12th seed sprung an upset in a thrilling French Open Quarter-Final edging past the no.4 seed in two hours and three minutes. After a superb opening set, Paolini twice led by a break in the second set and then twice more early in the decider. But Rybakina soon fought back.

Paolini who was playing in her first major Quarter-Final held firm to close out the biggest win of her career. She led 5-4 breaking serve at the opportune moment to serve it out at 6-4 and claim the win after a tense opener to the set which saw a mulitude of break with the match not swinging one way or the other.

The 28-year-old becomes the fourth Italian woman to reach the last four and joins Jannik Sinner in the ATP in bringing honour to the country. She joins Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani and Martina Trevisan in reaching this point. Errani who will partner her in the Quarter-Finals of the women's doubles was watching on as Paolini sealed the biggest win of her career.

After breaking into the top 30 of the WTA Rankings last year and being seen as one of the most improved players through nomination in the WTA Awards, she has improved even more in 2024. She won the title in Dubai and sits at 21-10 for the season. It was a tough tie last time for Rybakina in facing Paolini which ended up in three sets. It seemed to be the case again this time with Rybakina not set for a crunch clash with Aryna Sabalenka.

Instead Sabalenka who faces Mirra Andreeva shortly will be the favourite to win through to a final against potentially Iga Swiatek who faces Coco Gauff in the semi-finals tomorrow. Paolini has done her part though and continues to show why she should be feared among the top names in the WTA.