Article by Adrian Duţă – published Wednesday, 02 July 2025 23:00 / Updated Wednesday, 02 July 2025 23:05
Jasmine Paolini (5 WTA) lost with Kamilla Rakhimova (80 WTA), score 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, in the second round of Wimbledon. Last year's finalist has left the competition prematurely, one full of surprises so far.
Italian Paolini, the number four series head in London, has encountered difficulties from the first round, against Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, the world number 402, a predictive sign for what was to follow. In the second round, Paolini faced Russian Kamilla Rakhimova, number 80 in the WTA standings.
Rakhimova, new sensation from Wimbledon, eliminated Paolini
Paolini, a finalist last year, started the promising match, leading quickly with 5-2. Rakhimova managed a break, but the Italian replied immediately, awarding her first set. It seemed that it would continue on the same line and in the second set, having no less than four break opportunities on the Russian service.
The Russian saved them all, the moment that marked a turning in the match. Rakhimova managed the break at 3-3 and pushed the match decisively. In the third set, he immediately took Paolini's service and did not offer any break of break.
Although he had some emotions at the end, Rakhimova closed the match at the fourth match. The Russian will meet in the next round the Czech Linda Noskova, according to Sportnieuws.nl.
Kamilla Rakhimova/ Photo: Imago Images
Half of the top 10, removed
For the Italian, last year's final remains an exception to the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. In the previous three participations, Paolini lost in the first round, and this year he left the competition in the second round. This defeat will make her descend at least to the eighth place in the world ranking.
Paolini is not the only important player eliminated prematurely. Half the top 10 has already left Wimbledon. Previously, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Qinwen Zheng and Paula Badosa were also eliminated.
