Wimbledon Fourth Seed Paolini Advances Second Round After Comeback Win

Jasmine Paolini, the fourth seed and 2024 Wimbledon runner-up, staged a comeback victory against Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova, winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round. Despite a slow start marked by 13 unforced errors and Sevastova taking the first set, Paolini regained momentum in the second set as Sevastova's energy waned, ultimately dominating the third set. Sevastova, returning to Wimbledon after maternity leave and injury, took a medical timeout before succumbing to Paolini's strong finish. Paolini, who excels in warm conditions and has had a remarkable 2024 season with a WTA 1000 title and finals appearances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, is Italy's leading hope for a women's singles title at the All England Club, a feat not yet achieved by any Italian woman. She is set to face Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova in the next round. Paolini also expressed readiness to handle rising temperatures at Wimbledon, emphasizing hydration and her preference for playing with a closed roof in rainy conditions.