PROGRESSION: Elena Rybakina to the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix semi-final
Elena Rybakina advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix after defeating Jasmine Paolini in three sets.
Paolini, despite flying under the radar lately, was poised to achieve her career-best ranking of 13th after this WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart, bringing added pressure to Rybakina as she prepared to face her in the quarter-finals.
The match didn’t start favorably for Rybakina, finding herself a break down early in the first set after a slow start where she lost eight of the first ten rallies. However, she quickly turned the tide, showcasing her top-four status by winning 20 of the next 26 points to surge ahead 5-2. Despite a late fight from Paolini, Rybakina secured the first set 6-3.
The second set saw Rybakina take an early break, but Paolini fought back, eventually leveling the set at 4-4. Despite Rybakina’s chances to close it out, Paolini showed resilience, winning the set 7-5 to force a decider.
In the final set, Rybakina proved too strong for Paolini, maintaining her composure to secure a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory and secure her spot in the semi-finals. She now awaits the winner between Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu for what promises to be an exciting semi-final clash. Regardless of the outcome, it sets up a thrilling encounter, especially considering Swiatek’s undefeated record in Stuttgart.
