Jasmine Paolini upsets four seeded opponents on way to first WTA title

Jasmine Paolini is continuing the string of first-time winners in the WTA.

The 25-year-old Italian tennis player reached her maiden WTA final on Sunday, where she defeated No. 3 seed Alison Riske to win the Zavarovalnica Sava Portoroz.

En route to her maiden title, the world No. 87 knocked off four seeded opponents, No. 6 Daya Yastremksa, No. 4 Sorana Cirstea and No. 2 Yulia Putintseva. 

“It means a lot,” Paolini said following her victory against Putintseva. “I’m playing good, so I’m very happy. It wasn’t an easy match today, so I’m double-happy about the win!”

Prior to this tournament, Paolini hadn’t advanced past the quarterfinals at Tour level. On Sunday, she took down Riske in straight-sets, 7-6(4), 6-2. 

“I think it’s been an amazing week here in Portoroz,” Paolini said following the win. “I feel just very happy, it’s a big achievement for me, to win my first title. On hardcourts, it’s special.

“It wasn’t easy to go through to the final. I’m proud of myself because I never gave up.”