Jasmine Paolini really impressed by one thing ‘amazing’ Aryna Sabalenka did against her after defeat at the Miami Open

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Jasmine Paolini’s impressive run in Miami came to an end at the hands of world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

The Italian star had endured a relatively slow start to her 2025 WTA Tour campaign, losing in the round of 16 at the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, and Indian Wells.

Bouncing back in Florida, Paolini secured a big win over Naomi Osaka to qualify for her first quarter-final of the season.

Paolini then beat Magda Linette, 6-3, 6-2, becoming the first Italian woman to advance to the last four in Miami.

The 29-year-old was beaten by Belarussian star Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals, as her run came to an end in a convincing defeat, 2-6, 2-6.

Speaking after the match, Paolini highlighted the area of Sabalenka’s game that was ‘tough’ to play against.

Jasmine Paolini says Aryna Sabalenka was serving ‘so fast’ in their Miami Open semi-final match

During her post-match press conference, the world number seven gave credit to Sabalenka for her ‘amazing’ performance.

“I think today she played an amazing match,” said Paolini.

“78% of first serves, and she is serving so fast as well, not just putting the ball into the court. 

“It’s how she serves and not many mistakes, it was tough to play against her.

“I played already six times [against her], but this time, she played unbelievable, so big credit to her.”

Paolini reflected on her performance, admitting there wasn’t much she could do against an in-form Sabalenka.

“I did my maximum today, maybe I could serve a bit better with more percentage, but it is not easy sometimes,” she said.

“First serves, winners, aces, today she was honestly very, very good.

“For sure there were ten very good days for me and I am really happy with the way I played.

“I enjoyed the tournament, so it’s good, now let’s change the surface.”

The Italian took to X after the match, reiterating her excitement for the clay court season.

“Thank you so much, Miami Open,” she said.

“What an amazing tournament.

“Thanks to all the fans who came out and to everyone who made it happen.

“Great match – [Aryna] Sabalenka, good luck in the final.

“Next up: clay season. I’ve been looking forward to it!”

How did Jasmine Paolini perform on clay courts in 2024?

Paolini enjoyed the best year of her tennis career in 2024, partly thanks to her performances on the clay.

Competing in just four tournaments, Paolini won ten matches, reaching her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open.

• 2024 French Open F – Jasmine Paolini lost to Iga Swiatek, 2-6, 1-6
• 2024 French Open SF – Jasmine Paolini beat Mirra Andreeva, 6-3, 6-1
• 2024 French Open QF – Jasmine Paolini beat Elena Rybakina, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
• 2024 French Open 4R – Jasmine Paolini beat Elina Avanesyan, 4-6, 6-0, 6-1
• 2024 French Open 3R – Jasmine Paolini beat Bianca Andreescu, 6-1, 3-6, 6-0
• 2024 French Open 2R – Jasmine Paolini beat Hailey Baptiste, 6-4, 7-6
• 2024 French Open 1R – Jasmine Paolini beat Daria Saville, 6-3, 6-4
• 2024 Italian Open 2R – Jasmine Paolini lost to Mayar Sherif
• 2024 Madrid Open 4R – Jasmine Paolini lost to Mirra Andreeva, 6-7, 4-6
• 2024 Madrid Open 3R – Jasmine Paolini beat Caroline Garcia, 6-3, 6-2
• 2024 Madrid Open 2R – Jasmine Paolini beat Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, 6-0, 6-1
• 2024 Stuttgart Open QF – Jasmine Paolini lost to Elena Rybakina, 3-6, 7-5, 3-6
• 2024 Stuttgart Open 2R – Jasmine Paolini beat Ons Jabeur, 7-6, 6-4
• 2024 Stuttgart Open 1R – Jasmine Paolini beat Sara Errani, 6-1, 6-0

Paolini beat Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to advance to the final at Roland Garros, where she took on two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek.

Falling short against the Pole, Paolini lost to Swiatek, 2-6, 1-6, in the biggest match of her career on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Paolini’s performances on clay saw her break into the top ten for the first time in her career, entering at seventh following her run to the final in Paris.

Only time will tell if she can go all the way this time around when the French Open begins on Sunday, May 25.