New Delhi: Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina defeated Rome Open champion Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-1, ending her nine-match winning streak to enter the women’s singles quarter-finals at the French Open 2025 on Sunday, June 01. Svitolina continued her winning run in the tournament to reach her fifth Rolland Garros quarter-final.
The Ukrainian has never gone past the quarters at the French Open in her career so far.
Svitolina staged a brilliant fightback in the fourth round clash against Paolini to overturn a 6-4, 4-1 deficit to book her spot in the quarter-finals with a thrilling victory. Svitolina went down 4-6 in the first set and was trailing in the second, but came from behind to pull off a remarkable victory. The Ukrainian will now take on the winner of the 4th round clash between defending champion Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina in the final.
Continuing her strong form on clay, Svitolina bagged her 18th victory on clay this year after outlasting Paolini in a three-setter on Sunday. The Italian, who was the finalist at the French Open last year, seemed to be cruising towards a commanding victory after taking the first set, however, Svitolina flipped the script in the second to clinch the match.
Svitolina pulled off a repeat of her performance against Paolini at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she came from a set down to beat the Italian 2-6, 6-4, 6-0. The Ukrainian now has two wins in two meetings against Paolini. Svitolina has now reached her 13th Grand Slam quarter-final and will be hoping to continue her stellar run in Paris as she continues her quest for her maiden Grand Slam title.
Elina Svitolina reacts after beating Jasmine Paolini
Svitolina said she couldn’t believe the match ended in her favour, speaking after her victory against Paolini. The Ukrainian was far from favourite, trailing 1-4 in the second set with Paolini in firm control of the match. However, Svitolina saved three match points to force a tiebreaker before dominating in the third set to win the match.
“I still cannot believe that this match finished my way,” Svitolina said after the game.
“It was a really difficult match today, Jasmine was playing really well. It was really tough for me but I’m very happy I was able to stay composed and fight until the very last point,” she added.