Paolini powers past Andreeva for maiden major final

The No.12 seed will shoot for glory against double defending champion Iga Swiatek

Jasmine Paolini, Roland-Garros 2024, demi-finales©Loïc Wacziak / FFT
 - Alex Sharp

Jasmine Paolini is living the "dream" after a clinical 6-3, 6-1 display ended teenager Mirra Andreeva's Parisian campaign. The beaming Italian has secured herself a first Grand Slam final. 

Calls of 'Forza!' rang out around Court Philippe-Chatrier as the twelfth seed booked a clash with world No.1 Iga Swiatek for the Roland-Garros title.

"I learned a little bit later than other players. To dream is the most important thing in sport and in life," Paolini said. "I'm happy that I can be in this dream moment... It's a great feeling to be in a Grand Slam final. It seems something impossible."

Story of the match

At 11 years apart in age, it was the biggest gap between two women facing off in the Roland-Garros semi-finals since Chris Evert (30) and Gabriela Sabatini (15) in 1985.

With that in mind, who would handle the occasion better? Paolini had prepared for this for over a decade, Andreeva has been touted as a dominant force of the future.

It was a case of experience in the first set, with Paolini settling into a rhythm – cautious and consistent, yet purposeful – to chalk up a 3-1 lead.

The 28-year-old fended off three break points including one double net cord off a searing forehand, to head 4-1 up.

Andreeva showed glimpses of the line-sweeping tennis she produced to down world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, clattering a blistering backhand to remain in contention.

Paolini fended off another break opportunity at 4-2, however, feathering the backhand drop shot beautifully to maintain her advantage.

The world No.38, who defeated Paolini in Madrid two months ago, could not quite decide on her approach.

At 1-1, the Italian was in control and pressed for a vital break. Her kick serve was doing the business, keeping Andreeva away from her strike zone, whilst her return game was achieving metronomic consistency in close proximity to the baseline.

A disguised drop shot and volleyed putaway neutralised any hint of danger at 4-1 and moments later Paolini had her arms aloft in celebration.

Key stats

The 28-year-old has won six consecutive matches on clay for the first time in her career.

Projected to break into the top 10 following Roland-Garros, Paolini is also the third Italian woman in the Open era to reach the Roland-Garros final, joining Francesca Schiavone (2010, 2011) and Sara Errani (2012).

Paolini was able to dictate proceedings with an impressive 80 per cent of first serves finding their spot.

Paolini's take on things:

On her opponent: "I'm super happy. It was a tough match. She's playing unbelievable, she's only 17-years-old, she's so complete. I was a little bit nervous before the match.

On her performance: "I lost to her a couple of months ago and I told myself I had to play better. Ball after ball I was getting more relaxed. It's tough to stay relaxed at this stage.  

"I just hit the ball, enjoy, it worked, so I'm really happy."

On Swiatek's consistency: "It can happen in tennis. Every week is different. Every week is a new challenge, so it's not easy to confirm your result every week. Just few players can do that. It's unbelievable what the top players, like Iga, Nole (Djokovic), Jannik (Sinner) are doing. It's something crazy."