Paolini, following her Cincinnati final: "It has been two very positive weeks after a very difficult month and a half"

Jasmine Paolini is smiling again on a tennis court. After a negative streak of games and results since her title in Rome, which led to parting ways with Marc López after hiring him last March. But the Italian decided to turn over a new leaf on this North American hardcourt tour and rediscovered part of her best version to reach the final of the WTA Cincinnati. However, for the sixth consecutive time, she fell to Iga Swiatek (7-5, 6-4).

Nevertheless, in the Ohio final, the most evenly matched duel between them was seen. Despite the Polish player leading the match, the Italian never lost face in the game, but the experience of the world number two prevailed at key moments. Regarding these two weeks in Cincinnati, the reason why she couldn't clinch the title, the close final, and her status as the eighth seed at the US Open, she spoke in a press conference, with statements gathered by Ubitennis.

Pleased, but with areas to improve

"These have been two very positive weeks after a very difficult month and a half. I am happy with the level I reached in this tournament. I could have served a little better, but it is still a positive tournament for me. How will I do in New York? My level here wasn't enough; I could have hit more first serves because she returns very well."

Image

The difference that tilted the final

"Definitely, I could have served better. At the same time, when the rallies started, I felt good. But it's challenging to play so many second serves against her or first serves that are not very fast. The goal is obviously to improve that percentage, refine my serve and precision because the first shots on these courts are too crucial."

Grateful for the support of the American fans

"It's amazing. Even when I played against Coco Gauff. It's really nice to play here; I have always liked it. This year even more because the facilities are fantastic. I like this tournament, and I like the audience. In general, I really like the American public: they are very warm. And regardless of whom they cheer for, they support the tennis player. The person, the personality they prefer. And that's really nice."

More equality than in their previous matches against Swiatek

"I think this court suits my game better than clay against her. I tried to be aggressive when I had the right ball because that's the only way to try to win points: be aggressive, move her, place the ball before her because she takes a lot of time away. It's very difficult to win a point. It's not easy, but I felt good in the rallies. Obviously, as I said, I have to improve my first shots, especially my serve. It's very important here. I think the serve made the difference, although maybe she made more double faults than me."

Reasons for her withdrawal from the mixed US Open

"I decided to withdraw after yesterday's semifinal. I play singles and doubles every week, and it's tough. Flying overnight and playing the next morning or afternoon is too much. I need to recover. I would have liked to play with Lorenzo Musetti. It's a wonderful competition. But at the same time, I have to think about my body, and I think it's best to recover for a day or two to be mentally and physically ready for the US Open."

Downplaying being the eighth seed

"I don't know what difference it would make if I were ninth; it depends. Of course, being a seed is good, but whether eighth or ninth, I don't know how much difference it makes. The goal is to focus on my game and try to have a good tournament. I will be ready and prepare in the coming days for the US Open."

Her smile has returned

"To be honest, I am not always like this, obviously. But when I give it my all and do my best, then yes. I could have done better, of course. But I was present in every point, even in difficult situations, I tried to react. So I don't know, I also try to go all the way. They were ten very positive days after a very tough month and a half for me. I gave my all. It's okay. Not everything is under my control. I am happy with how I was on the court and how I fought point after point. I didn't win; obviously, I wanted to win, but there was also an opponent on the other side," says a Jasmine Paolini traveling to New York with restored confidence and the goal of continuing to surprise everyone quietly.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Paolini, tras su final en Cincinnati: "Han sido dos semanas muy positivas después de un mes y medio muy difícil"