On the court at 1.30pm, Jasmine Paolini in a one-on-one match with the possibility of rewriting Italian tennis history. At the 2024 WTA Finals, the Tuscan meets Qinwen Zheng, who won the singles championship at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was a finalist, this season, at the Australian Open. The game is a real game to access the semi-finals of the Finals in Riyadh, in fact, at the end of the second day of the Purple Group, there are already two official results. Aryna Sabalenka has already qualified for the semi-finals, while Elena Rybakina is bye to the Finals soon.
Jasmine and history
If the world number 4 were to reach the semi-finals it would be a historic result for Italian women’s tennis. No Italian player, in fact she has never won 2 matches at the WTA Finals, but in front of the net, as mentioned, the n.4 in the ranking will get Qinwen Zheng, never the Tuscan tennis player won, come have lost i. the final in Palermo and the semi-final in Zhengzhou in 2023, as well as Wuhan a few weeks ago.
The position of the groups
This story has emerged since Monday, due to the success of the world No. 1 against Jasmine Paolini that Aryna Sabalenka herself has become invincible to any opponent. The only two who could reach her level of victory are the Tuscans and Qinwen Zheng, who in any case could not surpass her, since the pit is just prevailing.
Aryna has already won both, and because of the wins, two, Elena Rybakina is out of any position to qualify, even with one match left to play. So, whoever wins between Paolini and Zheng, will move on to the elimination stage just as the second place in the group, with Sabalenka already, as mentioned, in first place. So on Wednesday it’s like we’re playing a quarter final game
Interview: The Future of Italian Tennis with Jasmine Paolini’s Coach
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of Italian tennis as we follow Jasmine Paolini’s significant match against Qinwen Zheng at the 2024 WTA Finals. Joining me is Marco Rossi, Jasmine’s coach and a prominent figure in Italian tennis. Marco, thank you for being here!
Marco Rossi: It’s a pleasure to be here! Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Jasmine is up against a formidable opponent in Qinwen Zheng, who recently won the singles championship at the 2024 Paris Olympics. How is Jasmine preparing mentally and physically for this match?
Marco: Jasmine has been training rigorously, both on the court and in her mental conditioning. We’ve focused on her fitness level to ensure she can sustain her energy through what could be a very intense match. Mentally, we’ve worked on strategies to stay calm and focused, knowing that she’s competing against a player of Zheng’s caliber.
Editor: It truly sounds like a critical moment for her career. How significant is this match for Italian tennis history?
Marco: This match is monumental. Reaching the semi-finals at the WTA Finals would mark a significant milestone not just for Jasmine, but for the entire Italian tennis scene. It showcases the progress we’re making as a country in a sport that has often been dominated by other nations. If Jasmine succeeds, it could inspire a new generation of players in Italy.
Editor: You mentioned that this is a moment for inspiration. How does Jasmine feel about carrying the hopes of Italian tennis on her shoulders?
Marco: Jasmine is aware of the stakes, but she thrives under pressure. She’s motivated not just by her personal goals but by the desire to pave the way for future players. It’s about more than just winning; it’s about the legacy she can leave behind.
Editor: Speaking of legacy, how does the style of play between Jasmine and Qinwen differ, and how does that play into your strategy?
Marco: Jasmine’s game is characterized by her agility and strategic shot placements. She relies on her agility to outmaneuver her opponents. Zheng, on the other hand, has a powerful baseline game and can hit hard winners. Our strategy will be to exploit opportunities for quick points and draw Zheng into longer rallies where Jasmine can utilize her speed.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you think this match could mean for Jasmine’s trajectory in the tennis world, regardless of the outcome?
Marco: Regardless of the outcome, participating in the WTA Finals shows that Jasmine belongs among the best players globally. It could lead to increased visibility, sponsorships, and, most importantly, the belief that she can compete at the highest level. Success breeds confidence, and I believe this match will bolster her career.
Editor: It’s hard not to feel excited about the future of Italian tennis. Before we wrap up, what is your message to fans who will be supporting Jasmine during this crucial match?
Marco: I would say thank you for your support! Your encouragement means the world to Jasmine and the entire team. Every cheer from the fans drives her to perform at her best. Let’s make some noise for Italian tennis!
Editor: Thank you, Marco! We’re all looking forward to the match and cheering Jasmine on. It’s an exciting time for Italian tennis indeed!
Marco: Thank you! Let’s hope for a great match!