Jasmine Paolini provides fitness update ahead of Indian Wells after withdrawing from Dubai recently
Jasmine Paolini Aims to Rebound Ahead of Indian Wells
Jasmine Paolini has faced a challenging start to her 2025 season. After a breakthrough year in 2024, the WTA world No. 4 has struggled to find her rhythm in the early months of the new campaign.
Her Australian Open run ended in the third round with a tough loss to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (6-2, 4-6, 0-6). Hoping for a fresh start, Paolini then traveled to the Middle East for the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships—two of the first WTA 1000 events of the season. However, her fortunes did not improve.
She was eliminated by Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of Doha, followed by another second-round defeat in Dubai against American Sofia Kenin. During the match, Paolini sustained an injury but fought through the pain before ultimately falling 4-6, 0-6. The setback forced her to withdraw from the doubles competition, where she was set to partner with Sara Errani.
Paolini Provides Injury Update Ahead of Indian Wells
With Indian Wells approaching, Paolini has reassured fans about her condition, providing an update on her recovery.
“Hey,” she shared in a social media message. “I took a few days off to rest and check on my foot. Feeling much better now. Back to training and getting ready for the tournaments in the US.”
Despite her early exit in Dubai, Paolini will be eager to rediscover the form that saw her claim her first WTA 1000 title there in 2024. Her victory last year was a defining moment, as she dropped just two sets en route to the trophy.
Paolini’s 2024 Dubai Title Run
- Final: Def. Anna Kalinskaya (4-6, 7-5, 7-5)
- Semifinal: Def. Sorana Cirstea (6-2, 7-6)
- Quarterfinal: Def. Elena Rybakina (W/O)
- Third Round: Def. Maria Sakkari (6-4, 6-2)
- Second Round: Def. Leylah Fernandez (6-4, 6-4)
- First Round: Def. Beatriz Haddad Maia (4-6, 6-4, 6-0)
Seeking a Breakthrough at Indian Wells
While Paolini has yet to make a deep run at Indian Wells, she has shown flashes of brilliance at the event. Her best result came in 2024 when she reached the fourth round before falling to Anastasia Potapova.
Paolini’s Indian Wells Record:
- 2024 (4R): Lost to Anastasia Potapova (5-7, 6-0, 3-6)
- 2023 (1R): Lost to Tatjana Maria (5-7, 1-6)
- 2022 (3R): Lost to Viktorija Golubic (5-7, 6-1, 6-7)
- 2022 (2R): Defeated Aryna Sabalenka (2-6, 6-3, 6-3)
- 2021 (3R): Lost to Jessica Pegula (4-6, 1-6)
Her upset over then-world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells in 2022 remains one of the biggest wins of her career. Paolini rallied from a set down to secure a thrilling 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory—one of several top-10 wins on her resume.
Paolini’s Career Top-10 Wins
- 2022 Indian Wells (R2): Def. Aryna Sabalenka (No. 3) – 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
- 2023 Cincinnati Open (R3): Def. Elena Rybakina (No. 4) – 4-6, 5-2 (RET)
- 2024 French Open (QF): Def. Elena Rybakina (No. 4) – 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
- 2024 WTA Finals (RR): Def. Elena Rybakina (No. 5) – 7-6, 6-4
With Indian Wells set to begin on March 3, Paolini will have another chance to test herself against the world’s best and chase another career-defining victory.
