Elina Svitolina stuns Jasmine Paolini by saving match points
- Elina Svitolina saved three match points during her match against Jasmine Paolini.
- The match featured Svitolina overcoming a set and a break down to win in three sets.
- This victory allows Svitolina to progress to her fifth French Open quarterfinal.
In Paris, at the French Open held on June 1, 2025, tennis player Elina Svitolina showcased remarkable skill and resilience against last year's runner-up and fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini. Amid a tense match, Svitolina found herself on the brink of elimination but managed to save three match points against Paolini, ultimately claiming victory with a score of 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1. This win marks Svitolina's fifth appearance in the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament, which is known for its challenging clay courts. Throughout the match, Svitolina demonstrated her fighting spirit and tactical prowess. After losing the first set and facing a break down in the second, she fought back to clinch a closely contested tiebreak in which she saved the match points while serving under pressure. Svitolina’s victory is significant, particularly since Paolini had entered the match riding on a career-best nine-match winning streak, including clinching the title at the Italian Open on red clay. Svitolina's performance was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to her determination in the highly competitive environment of the Grand Slam. Svitolina’s journey thus far in the tournament has solidified her reputation as a formidable player on clay, contributing to her total of 16 match wins—the highest on the tour this season. As she reaches the quarterfinals, Svitolina acknowledges the challenges of competition at a Grand Slam event, emphasizing the mental resilience required to succeed. She noted the importance of focusing on each point and leveraging opportunities when they arise during the match. In a bittersweet moment, her husband, Gael Monfils, faced his own challenges on the same day, suffering a defeat against Jack Draper in a tightly contested four-set match. After her victory, Svitolina shared her plans to recover from the strenuous match, indicating a well-rounded approach to both physical and mental preparation as she gears up for her next challenge in the tournament. Her experience and determination suggest that she could be a strong contender as the tournament progresses.