Paolini in the semifinals at the WTA 1000 in Dubai

The Kazakh stopped by gastroenteritis, if Jasmine reaches the final she will become 16th in the world

After a series of great matches that led her to the quarter-finals, an unexpected twist arrives for Jasmine Paolini at the WTA 1000 in Dubai. The Italian qualified for the semi-final without playing, given the withdrawal of Elena Rybakina, number 4 in the world who the Italian would have faced as an underdog. Rybakina withdraws due to gastrointestinal problems. “Physically I feel tired – the Kazakh said after the victory against the Polish Frech -. I don’t know how much I can recover in half a day to be able to push.” And in fact the recovery did not arrive, opening the way for Jasmine towards the semi-final.

RIDE

Paolini, who is currently number 21 in the world, would rise to number 16 if she were to win the semi-final (in which she will start as the favorite given the absence of seeds on her side of the draw) and would open next week as number 14 of the WTA ranking if he were to win the tournament. An exciting ride for Jasmine, now the best Italian player by distance in the last year. Paolini, who beat Haddad Maia, Fernandez and Sakkari here, will play this semi-final well rested. A more unique than rare opportunity to get to play the decisive match, probably against one between Swiatek and Coco Gauff. But for the Tuscan tennis player, at this moment, nothing seems impossible.

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