French Open: Paolini battles past Rybakina to reach semifinals
A tale of two sets as Italian upsets No. 16 seed
By Julien Crosnier
In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at Roland Garros, unseeded Jasmine Paolini pulled off a stunning upset by defeating 16th-seeded Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to book her place in the semifinals of the French Open.
Paolini, ranked world No. 94, was in scintillating form in the opening set, breaking Rybakina's serve twice to take it 6-2. However, the Kazakhstani fought back in the second set, breaking Paolini's serve in the fifth game and holding on to force a decider.
The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. However, it was Paolini who proved the steadier under pressure, breaking Rybakina's serve in the final game to secure a memorable victory.
Paolini will now face world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, while Rybakina's impressive run in Paris has come to an end.
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