Paolini: "I try to keep expectations low"

Fernando Murciego | 26 May 2025 | 08.00

Jasmine Paolini saved the first round in Paris. Source: Getty

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After finishing last year's Roland Garros, it is natural for people to expect great things from Jasmine Paolini over the next two weeks in Paris. Returning to the final? It would be incredible for the recent champion of the Rome WTA 1000, but she is the first to know that things don't work that way, it's not that easy. So far, this Sunday she had to grit her teeth to get through the first round against China's Yuan, but the third set ended up proving her right. With the relief of having saved the debut, the world No. 4 met with the media and shared the following reflections.

Hard-Fought Victory

“It was a tough match, with many ups and downs; that would be the correct definition. The first set flew by quickly, the problem was that in the second set my focus and intensity dropped a bit, but I'm happy with how I managed to come back in the end. I am particularly proud of the third set because it was really not easy.”

Defending the Final in Paris

“I don't know. It doesn't imply anything different for having been in last year's final, but of course, it's a special feeling, although right now I try to keep expectations low. I prefer to focus on the match I have to play and nothing else. Sometimes it works, but there are times it doesn’t. That's the goal, always thinking about the present, about what's coming in the next match.”

Are you playing better than in 2024?

“This is a question that maybe should be asked to my opponents, but yes, maybe I am playing better than last year, although I am aware of the tremendous season I had in 2024. I think I arrived here with more results, or at least being more consistent. However, here every match is tough; that's why it's a Grand Slam, because every opponent is tough. What I hope for is that the opponents facing me step onto the court thinking: ‘Today is going to be tough.’ I don't know, I don't have that feeling.”

What has improved the most in the last year?

“It's a tricky question since we are always working to improve. We try to give our best in every match, but it's not easy. As I mentioned before, I think last year I came to Roland Garros after a period of greater consistency, at least during that season stretch. I think this is one of the factors that keeps you at these levels; it's essential to always play well.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Paolini: “Intento mantener las expectativas bajas”