Jasmine Paolini dug deep to edge out rising star Alexandra Eala in a thrilling three-set clash on Centre Court. Photo: AFP
Jasmine Paolini ended Alexandra Eala's Wimbledon run in the last 16 on Monday, securing her a spot in the grass-court Grand Slam quarter-finals later this week.
Italian 13th seed Paolini edged out Iga Swiatek's conqueror Eala with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Centre Court, reaching her first Grand Slam quarter-final since losing the 2024 All England Club final. Paolini will next face Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk, who saw off qualifier Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets.
It marks a return to form for Paolini, who has struggled this year and appeared on the verge of a first-round exit last week when she lost her opening set of the tournament 6-0 to world No 195 Robin Montgomery.
"After the first set in the first round I was like, 'okay, it can only go better' ... point by point, game by game, I was feeling better," said Paolini, who was also the runner-up at the French Open two years ago.
