Paolini overcomes “bagel” opener to secure Mérida semi-final spot
Top seed Jasmine Paolini staged a resilient comeback after a winless first set to defeat Britain’s Katie Boulter 0-6, 6-3, 6-3, advancing to the Mérida Open Akron semi-finals where she will face Cristina Bucsa.
Jasmine Paolini, Wuhan 2025 – © Imago / Psnewz
In a quarter-final match defined by drastic momentum shifts, Jasmine Paolini proved why she holds the top seed in Mexico, overcoming a disastrous opening set to stay on track for her first title of 2026.
The world No. 7 looked shell-shocked in the early stages as an in-form Katie Boulter – riding a seven-match winning streak – dominated the court with clinical precision. Boulter, who had already claimed a significant scalp in Beatriz Haddad Maia earlier in the week, swept the first set 6-0 in a blistering display of power hitting that left Paolini searching for answers.
However, the Italian’s trademark tenacity surfaced in the second set. Entering the tournament as a wild card to rebuild confidence after a difficult start to the season, Paolini began to lengthen the rallies and target Boulter’s second serve more aggressively.
The tactical shift paid dividends as she broke the Englishwoman early in both the second and third sets, eventually winning 12 of the final 18 games.
Despite Boulter’s strong start, which was aided by a walkover from Camila Osorio in the previous round, she was unable to match Paolini’s increased physical intensity as the humidity in Mérida took its toll. Paolini now moves into a semi-final clash with Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, looking to reach her first final of the year.
