Jasmine Paolini advanced to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the second time in her career after knocking out Alex Eala.
Paolini, who reached the final at the All England Club in 2024, defeated the Filipina in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
The Italian had played Eala just once prior to their bout on Centre Court, with the sole meeting coming at the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this year.
Alexandra Eala will finish 2026 ranked — in the world
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On the hard courts of the WTA 1000 event, Paolini fell in straight sets to the Rafael Nadal Academy graduate.
After earning revenge at Wimbledon, the 30-year-old was asked what she changed tactically this time.
Jasmine Paolini speaks after beating Alex Eala at Wimbledon
“I think in Dubai I didn’t approach the match so well,” said Paolini in her post-match press conference.
“Today I had good energy. I think I was there every point. I knew that was a tough one. She’s playing really well.
“She plays well also the important points. She has a lot of personality on court. I knew that. I tried to play my best tennis and it worked out.
“I think I played a really, really great match because it’s tough to play Alex. She’s there every point. You know what I mean? I think my intensity was there every point, basically.
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“I don’t know what it changes, but match by match I am feeling better. I feel more confidence in myself. I’m more positive, as well. Hopefully I can keep this mindset for the rest of the season.
“I think this mindset can really make me play better. That’s going to be the goal. You can lose, you can win, but the goal is to keep this mindset.”
Jasmine Paolini looks ahead to match with Marta Kostyuk
Paolini will now take on Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, against whom she has a winning record of 2-1 at tour-level events.
Kostyuk is in pursuit of reaching a second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal, after making the final four at Roland Garros.
“I think she’s playing great tennis this year,” said Paolini of the Ukrainian. “She has improved a lot. She can be really aggressive. She’s a great athlete. She can move really well on the court.”
“It’s going to be a tough, tough match. We have to prepare it well. We have to watch a little bit her game style here on grass.
“But yeah, we are in the quarterfinals, so it’s normal to have these kind of matches. Hopefully I can play a good tennis. Hopefully it’s going to be a good match also for the people.”
Kostyuk and Paolini have never played each other on grass or at a Grand Slam.
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