In one of the most dramatic matches of the 2025 tournament, Elina Svitolina produced an extraordinary comeback to defeat Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7-6, 6-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Svitolina, down for most of the match and facing three match points, turned the contest around with sheer determination and mental toughness. Her win not only earned her a spot in the final eight but also snapped Paolini’s nine-match winning streak, which was the longest active run on the WTA Tour.
After the match, a visibly emotional Svitolina reflected on what she called one of the toughest battles of her season: “I still cannot believe that this match finished my way. 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,” said Svitolina.
With this win, Svitolina books her place in the Roland Garros quarter-finals, once again proving she remains a force to be reckoned with on clay and on the biggest stages.
‘Just Leave Him Alone’: Aryna Sabalenka Slams Retirement Talk Surrounding Novak Djokovic Amid Roland Garros 2025; Video
During the 2025 French Open, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka addressed ongoing speculations about Novak Djokovic’s potential retirement. In a post-match press conference following her third-round victory over Olga Danilovic, Sabalenka responded to questions regarding Djokovic’s longevity in the sport.
“You guys are trying to put as much pressure as you can on Novak. Leave him alone, look at him. He’s fit. He’s strong. Mentally and physically, I think he’s ready to play another two or three years,” Sabalenka stated. “He’s doing really well. Of course, everyone has ups and downs. The older you get, the tougher it gets to stay consistent on the level. Just leave him alone. Let him just be.”
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had recently secured his 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open, joining an elite group of players to achieve this milestone. At Roland Garros, he advanced to the third round with a straight-sets victory over Corentin Moutet.
Sabalenka also commented on the rising stars in men’s tennis, noting that players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still have progress to make to reach Djokovic’s level.
Her defense of Djokovic underscores the respect and camaraderie among top tennis professionals, highlighting the challenges athletes face as they age and the importance of allowing them to compete without undue speculation.