Australian Open: Paolini’s “adventure” continues with dominant win over Frech
Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini navigated shifting courts and indoor conditions on Wednesday night, dismissing Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open third round for the third consecutive year. Paolini’s clinical performance came despite a mid-match “adventure” that saw her transition from an outdoor arena to a closed-roof court, maintaining her perfect … Continued
Jasmine Paolini, Berlin 2025 – © Imago / Psnewz
Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini navigated shifting courts and indoor conditions on Wednesday night, dismissing Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open third round for the third consecutive year.
Paolini’s clinical performance came despite a mid-match “adventure” that saw her transition from an outdoor arena to a closed-roof court, maintaining her perfect set record in Melbourne this week.
The world No. 8 has been the picture of efficiency through the first two rounds, dropping just eight games across four sets of play. After a 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the opening round, Paolini brought the same “suffocating aggression” to her clash with Frech. Her brilliant court coverage and relentless baseline pressure left the Pole with few openings, as Paolini dictated the tempo regardless of the environmental changes.
Paolini : “Tough to adapt”
Reflecting on the match, Paolini described the logistical hurdles of the day as a “really tough adventure.” Due to rain delays across Melbourne Park, the match saw a change in atmosphere that required quick mental adjustments. “Different conditions from Kia Arena to here with the roof closed. It was tough to adapt,” Paolini admitted during her on-court interview. “But honestly it was better here without the rain. I’m happy because I tried to stay focused every point.”
Paolini’s victory marks her third straight trip to the round of 32 in Melbourne, equaling her best-ever start to a Grand Slam season. With her game appearing as solid as ever and her trademark smile back on display, the Italian remains a formidable dark horse in the top half of the draw. “It was tough to play against Magda,” she noted, “but I’m happy with how I’m competing.”
