Paolini withstands Eala push to book another Wimbledon quarterfinal trip

Jasmine Paolini hadn’t stepped foot on Centre Court at the All England Club since her gutting three-set loss to Barbora Krejcikova
in the 2024 Wimbledon final. On Monday, she earned a measure of redemption, defeating Alexandra Eala
6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in 2 hours and 22 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarterfinal.

Facing a fan favorite fresh off a win over the defending champion would have been pressure enough for her Centre Court return. Paolini also had to do it in front of her tennis idol — and the unofficial King of Wimbledon — Roger Federer.

“Stepping on this court is something special, and I was looking forward to it,” Paolini said in her on-court interview. “Here there is an amazing atmosphere. It’s something else to play tennis here, you know, and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. I feel lucky to get the win as well, and I want to thank you as well, Roger, because (you’re) my idol.”

With the victory, Paolini became the first Italian woman to reach multiple Wimbledon quarterfinals. She also became the first woman to reach a Grand Slam singles quarterfinal after losing her opening set of the event 6-0 since Garbine Muguruza at the 2020 Australian Open.(WTA)