Jasmine Paolini has failed to really get going in singles this year, but is once again impressing in doubles.
Paolini withdrew from the Adelaide International earlier this season, but recovered in time to take on the Australian Open.
But WTA number four Paolini fell to 28th seed Elina Svitolina in round three, along with a second round women’s doubles loss alongside Sara Errani.
The Italian duo bounced back superbly to win the Qatar Open doubles title, but Paolini struggled in singles once more.
She suffered a round of 16 defeat to Jelena Ostapenko, before falling at the same stage of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Jasmine Paolini apologises after Dubai Tennis Championships withdrawal
This time her exit came to wildcard Sofia Kenin, but Paolini had planned to remain at the competition and play doubles with Errani.
But after injuring her right ankle against Kenin, the world number four has now withdrawn from doubles, writing on X: “Sorry, I had to withdraw from Dubai.
“It’s frustrating, but the right decision. I don’t think it’s too serious, but I’ll get it checked out as soon as possible and hopefully be back soon. Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it!”
Jasmine Paolini and Aryna Sabalenka among Dubai Tennis Championships shock exits
Paolini was the defending champion in Dubai, having won her second WTA Tour title at the event last year.
The Italian overcame Anna Kalinskaya in the 2024 final, securing a fine comeback victory of 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.
READ MORE: What happened to Coco Gauff for the first time since Wimbledon 2023 as she suffers shock Dubai exit
But her shock early exit this time around certainly wasn’t the only such result, with world number one Aryna Sabalenka also crashing out.
She fell to the unseeded Clara Tauson, while world number five Jessica Pegula lost to the unseeded Linda Noskova.
And continuing that trend was world number nine Emma Navarro, who was beaten by the unseeded Sorana Cirstea.
Paolini has committed to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in April, but will be very eager to recover soon and play a host of events before then.
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