Paolini battles back to ‘incredible’ Dubai triumph
DUBAI: Jasmine Paolini capped an “incredible” week in Dubai with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Russian world number 40 Anna Kalinskaya to claim the second WTA title of her career and first at the 1000 level on Saturday.
The Italian world number 26 snapped Kalinskaya’s seven-match winning streak, which included qualifying, and avenged her defeat to the Russian from last month’s Australian Open with a brave comeback performance.
Paolini was a set and 1-3 down, and also trailed 1-3 in the decider, against Kalinskaya but was at her grittiest best to ensure she became the second Italian woman to triumph in Dubai, following in the footsteps of Sara Errani.
“It’s so special, I’m really happy, it was a really tough match. She’s playing unbelievable, she played an unbelievable week and I’m really happy I managed to come back,” said Paolini, who will make her top15 debut when the new rankings are released on Monday.
Paolini began her campaign in Dubai with a come-from-behind win over 11th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, who led the Italian by a set and a break before getting bagelled in the decider.
Impressive victories over former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, eighth seed Maria Sakkari, and an in-form Sorana Cirstea followed for Paolini before her heroic effort against Kalinskaya.
“I tried to stay focused every point to believe it and I’m really proud of myself,” said the 28-year-old Paolini, who scribbled the word “incredible” on the camera lens to celebrate her triumph.
Kalinskaya was contesting her first tour-level final and was coming off three consecutive victories against top-10 opponents.