Google News
Jasmine Paolini defeated Alison Riske in the final of the Portoroz Open on Sunday to clinch the title. The Italian won 7-6(4), 6-2 in an hour and 45 minutes. Although Paolini made it through in straight sets, it was Riske who started the match on an aggressive footing.
The American third seed broke Paolini twice in the first set and even served for it twice. However, she was thwarted on both occasions and Paolini didn’t cede the ground she’d hard-won. In the first set tie-break, Riske fought back to narrow Paolini’s lead to 5-4 but the Italian won the set on her first set point to lead in the match.
The second set was quite one-sided in the unseeded contestant’s favour and she didn’t falter while converting the win. Paolini won 51% of her first-serve points to Riske’s 48%. However, where the Italian was able to win 57% of her second-serve points, Riske was able to win only 33%.
The 38th-ranked American’s unforced error tally also made a difference in the match. Riske had 11 more unforced errors to Paolini’s 33.
Portoroz Open: Jasmine Paolini's the last woman standing
Speaking after her win, an elated Paolini shared, “I think it’s been an amazing week here in Portoroz.
I feel just very happy, it’s a big achievement for me, to win my first title. On hardcourts, it’s special”. She also added, “I’m working really hard in the past couple of months. I understood more about my game, I think.
I just want to keep this level for all the season that is almost finished, and to stay strong and keep this level”. This is Jasmine Paolini’s first WTA career title, coming in her first WTA final. The 25-year-old had made it to the final on the back of three wins over seeds before ending the tournament with her fourth upset.
Following her win at the Portoroz Open, Paolini marked a new career-high of 64 in the WTA rankings. Photo Credit: Zavarovalnica Sava Portoroz Facebook