Paolini vs. Kudermetova, Cincinnati semifinal underway
Jasmine Paolini , after eliminating world number two Coco Gauff and putting a difficult summer behind her, is chasing the final of the Cincinnati Masters 1000. The Italian, number 9 in the world, faces Russian Veronika Kudermetova , number 36 in the WTA rankings, in the semifinals. The winner will face Iga Swiatek .
The service follows: 2-1
Two relatively easy service games for the two players who, without conceding any break points, maintained their service games (both at 30). Result: 6-3 6-7 2-1
Paolini starts well in the third set
Jasmine Paolini puts her ideas and game back together, also thanks to the advice from her corner, and starts well in the third set, maintaining (at 15) her service game
Kudermetova wins the second set
Kudermetova dominates the tie-break (7-2) and comes from behind to win the second set. Jasmine, who served for the match, has to regroup in the third set.
We go to a tie-break
Jasmine Paolini doesn't let herself be discouraged by the loss of a game and takes the match to a tie-break in the second set
Kudermetova counterbreak!
A long backhand from Kudermetova makes it 15-0 for Paolini. Then three consecutive errors from the Italian lead to the Russian's first two break points (15-40). The first is thrown away by Kudermetova (a forehand into the net) and the second is cancelled out by a great serve from Jasmine. On the third opportunity, the Russian breaks back.
Solid Jasmine 5-3
Jasmine played solidly, not slowing down her game and winning the eighth game of the second set. Just one game separates her from the Cincinnati final.
Kudermetova closes the gap: 4-3
Another difficult game for the Russian who cancels a break point from Paolini and shortens the gap in the second set: 4-3
Paolini consolidates the break: 4-2
Kudermetova was completely out of sorts, missing two forehands (0-30) and engaging in a monologue with her own corner. Paolini played solidly, taking the game despite a double fault (30-15).
Paolini breaks in the 2nd set!
Jasmine Paolini continues to hammer on her serve, leaving Kudermetova (at 15) once again in the fourth game and then breaking the Russian's serve in the following game: 3-2 Jasmine and serve
Kudermetova ahead in the 2nd set
Jasmine comes close, with a beautiful forehand and a slice backhand on the counterattack that catches Kudermetova off guard (30-30). Then the Russian pushes on her serve and takes home the game.
1-1 in the second set
Kudermetova continues to maintain a good pace on serve and leads the second set (1-0). Paolini holds (at deuce) her service game.
Jasmine wins the 1st set
Jasmine Paolini, after having gained the break in the eighth game, holds her serve and wins the first set: 6-3
Break Paolini!
Two narrow forehand errors for Kudermetova, who sends Paolini to 0-30. The Italian continues to press, and with a return, she gifts herself three break points (0-40). And she wins serve at the first opportunity: 5-4 Jasmine and serve.
Paolini doesn't tremble: 4-3
Another service game flies by, with Paolini leaving Kudermetova loveless in the seventh game. Dominant serves.
Kudermetova solid on serve: 3-3
The Russian tennis player doesn't give up an inch and leaves Paolini at 0 in her service game: 3-3
Paolini ahead: 3-2
After a good acceleration (0-15), Kudermetova misses three consecutive forehands (40-15) with Paolini closing the game with a smash: 3-2
Balance reigns
So far, the service games are being respected without any major upsets. The first set is tied at 2-2.
Kudermetova remains at zero
While still having some trouble returning—as seen in the previous game—Paolini immediately found a great connection with her serve. The third set ended with Kudermetova held to love.
Paolini makes too many mistakes: 1-1
Paolini can't find her opponent's measure. Jasmine is too foul-prone, and she fires two forehands over the baseline.
Paolini holds serve: 1-0
Despite a double fault, which brought the score to 15-0, Paolini held serve. She had to thank her opponent, who hit two balls into the net that could have been handled better.
Paolini and Kudermetova warm up
Jasmine Paolini and Veronika Kudermetova are on court warming up. The match begins in a few moments.
Swiatek first finalist
Polish Iga Swiatek , world number 3, is the first finalist of the Cincinnati Masters 1000. In the semifinals she defeated Kazakh Elena Rybakina , number 10 in the WTA ranking, in two sets with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
When the match starts
The match between Paolini and Kudermetova will not start before 9 pm. Everything will depend on the previous match, now underway, between Rybakina and Swiatek .
Who is Kudermetova, Paolini's opponent?
Coached by her father, Veronika Kudermetova , 28, a Russian from Tatarstan, is currently ranked 36th in the WTA (Paolini is ninth) and is primarily a doubles specialist, a specialty in which she recently won the Wimbledon title. Passionate about cooking, she is the sister of an ice hockey champion. She's good, very good, but on paper, Jasmine—especially if it's the same Jasmine who beat Gauff—is stronger. In Cincinnati, Kudermetova reached the semifinals, beating Lamens, Bencic, Tauson, Linette , and Gracheva .
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