Jasmine Paolini has lost yet another match on the WTA Tour.
Despite being the top seed at the Eastbourne Open, the Italian was defeated in the first round by Tatjana Maria on Tuesday afternoon.
Maria, the 2025 Queen’s Club champion, beat Paolini 6-4, 6-3.
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As a result, Paolini is set to fall three places in the rankings to world number 17 – her lowest position for two years.
It has been a truly torrid year for the 29-year-old, who just cannot seem to locate the form that saw her reach two Grand Slam finals.
Jasmine Paolini is no longer a serious contender for Grand Slam titles
This year has been one to forget for Jasmine Paolini.
The Italian star, a former finalist at the French Open and Wimbledon, has advanced to the quarter-final stage of a WTA event only once in 11 attempts so far this season.
| Tournament | Round | Opponent |
| Australian Open | Third round | lost to Iva Jovic |
| Qatar Open | Second round [first match] | Maria Sakkari |
| Dubai Tennis Championships | Second round [first match | Alexandra Eala |
| Mexico Open | Semi-finals | Cristina Bucsa |
| Indian Wells | Fourth round | Talia Gibson |
| Miami Open | Third round | Jelena Ostapenko |
| Stuttgart Open | First round | Zeynep Sonmez |
| Madrid Open | Third round | Hailey Baptiste |
| Italian Open | Second round | Elise Mertens |
| Roland Garros | Second round | Solana Sierra |
| Eastbourne Open | Opening round | Tatjana Maria |
Many players go through tough spells for a short period, before rediscovering their form at a later date.
Elena Rybakina is the perfect example of this. Fans have seen the 27-year-old go through inconsistent periods of form, before rediscovering said form and going on to win Grand Slam titles.
However, Paolini’s form is of greater concern.
Paolini has not played well all year; and for the first time since Wimbledon 2024, she cannot truly be considered a serious contender for Grand Slam titles.
However, there is hope for the Italian.
Many of the WTA’s very best – including Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek – have struggled to locate their best form as of late.
Consequently, there is no clear favourite for the Wimbledon title this year.
Paolini is a top-10 talent who has produced on the Grand Slam stage in the past. If she can utilise this talent to her fullest later this month, she has every chance of causing a few surprises.
Jasmine Paolini’s run to the Wimbledon final
Just a month after making her Grand Slam final debut at the French Open, Jasmine Paolini found herself back in another major final.
Paolini, the seventh seed in London, began Wimbledon 2024 by defeating Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-5, 6-3.
She then knocked out Greet Minnen and 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu – both in straight sets.
The Italian then received a slice of luck against Madison Keys in the fourth round.
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With the score at 5-5 in the final set, Keys was forced to retire from the match due to a hamstring injury.
“Well… the ending of yesterday’s match was probably one of my toughest moments ever on court,” Keys said in an Instagram post.
Paolini capitalised on her good fortune, beating Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-1 in the quarter-finals.
The Italian then came through an almighty battle against Donna Vekic in the semi-finals, saving a match point before winning 2-6, 6-4, 7-6.
Paolini’s superb run came to an end at the final hurdle, as she lost to Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.
“To play here is a dream come true. Congrats Barbora you played unbelievable. You play such beautiful tennis,” Paolini said afterwards.
“The last two months have been crazy for me. Thanks to my team and my family for supporting me and always believing in me.
“The crowd has been amazing these two weeks. I received a lot of support and it was incredible to feel the love from them.
“I’m a little bit sad but I try to keep smiling. I have to remember today is still a good day. I remember watching as a kid cheering for (Roger) Federer. So to be here now is crazy. It’s been a beautiful two weeks.”
