“Maybe Aryna Sabalenka will k!ll me” – Coco Gauff-conqueror Jasmine Paolini makes honest admission ahead of Stuttgart SF

Jasmine Paolini, who stunned the tennis world by defeating Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, has been candid about her upcoming semifinal clash with Aryna Sabalenka.

Paolini, who will face Sabalenka after an impressive 6-4, 6-3 win over Gauff, admitted that while she’s feeling more confident on the court, she remains aware of the tough challenge ahead. “Maybe tomorrow Sabalenka will kill me,” Paolini joked in her post-match comments. “It’s going to be tough, but I feel better on court, let’s say that.”

The 27-year-old Italian has come a long way in her career, gaining more belief in herself with each match. “I think I’m the same person but a little bit more confident. I believe more in myself. I step on the court and repeat to myself, ‘I can do it.’ Before, I was playing against big names and big players, and it felt like I was climbing a mountain. It was tough to believe I could beat them,” she shared.

Paolini’s transformation has been evident in her recent performances. Once routinely defeated with scores like 6-1, 6-1, she’s now competitive in every match, showing growth and determination. Despite acknowledging the challenge of facing Sabalenka, Paolini remains upbeat about her game. “My goal is to fight every match, to be in the match, to have the chances to win,” she said.

With Sabalenka holding a dominant head-to-head record against Paolini, including a win in their most recent meeting in 2023, the semifinal promises to be a high-stakes battle. Nevertheless, Paolini is prepared to bring her best to the court as she seeks to make an even bigger impact in Stuttgart.