Jasmine Paolini capped an “incredible” week in Dubai on Saturday with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Russian world No. 40 Anna Kalinskaya to claim the second WTA title of her career and first at the 1000 level.
The Italian world No. 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 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.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“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 is set to make her top-15 debut when the new rankings are released on Monday.
Paolini began 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.
The 25-year-old knocked out world No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, No. 3 Coco Gauff, and No. 1 Iga Swiatek, in her previous three rounds, and is projected to make her top-25 debut on Monday. She started the year at 80th in the world.
“Before the quarter-finals I met Patricia and she said: ‘We’re going to see you in the final’. And I said: ‘Are you crazy?’ But here we are,” Paolini said, laughing.
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