Jasmine Paolini, the 30-year-old ranked 21st in the WTA, is set to compete against Sorana Cîrstea, 36 and currently 17th in the WTA rankings, in the third round of the US Open on Friday evening at 6:00 PM. Ahead of this match, the Italian expressed her concerns and outlined her approach, particularly noting that this could be the last Grand Slam for the Romanian player.
So far, Paolini has defeated Cîrstea in all three of their previous encounters, which took place at Zavarovalnica Sava in 2021, Roland Garros in 2023, and Dubai in 2024.
“I have played fewer tournaments, and since Rome, I have managed to stay physically fit, so I feel better now. I think my level can rise compared to what I have shown this year, which has had many ups and downs,” Paolini commented.
Paolini Discusses Cîrstea: “This Year She Has Played Better Than Me”
“Now I feel better, so it’s normal. In my opinion, it’s vital to focus on two aspects: being physically well and feeling good on the court, playing correctly and well, and training effectively. If I can achieve these things, I believe my level can improve from what I’ve shown this year, which has seen many fluctuations,” she added.
“I believe she has had an amazing year (referring to Sorana Cîrstea). As far as I know, she has the best ranking of her career. Right now, she is playing very well. This year, she has certainly played better than me. However, I will try my best to have a good match,” Paolini explained.
“I have played against her many times, but I don’t remember the last time. It will be a challenging match, as I believe she has a lot of confidence at the moment,” she continued.
Paolini acknowledged that while Cîrstea could be facing her last US Open, she would not focus on that during the match. “I know it might be her last US Open, but I will not think about that, because I need to concentrate on what I have to do on the court,” she stated in an interview with Eurosport Italia.
“I miss playing doubles a bit. In the last two years, I have won many matches, and I would like to continue, but by carefully selecting my tournaments. During this time, I have worked hard to recover my leg, but I have also tried to enjoy some moments away from the court. When you practice a sport at a professional level, tennis takes up a huge part of your life, but it’s essential to build something outside of it. You have to find a balance now and with an eye toward the future. And my leg is doing well.” – Jasmine Paolini
Jasmine Paolini, who was a finalist at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, has only reached the second week of the US Open during one of her six main draw appearances, achieving the round of 16 in 2024. Her highest ranking in the WTA has been fourth.
“I know Jasmine very well and I love her. She is truly a lovely girl and an excellent player. I know she has had some extraordinary years and, at times, difficult moments, like everyone else. She has had two remarkable seasons, and it hasn’t been easy to replicate that, and she has played less recently due to physical issues. But when she is healthy, we will see what kind of player she is again. I will need to prepare for the match as well as I can with my coach before the third round match at the US Open.” – Sorana Cîrstea
