Jasmine Paolini began her Australian Open campaign in scintillating style against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Paolini might have struggled at the WTA Finals, but she showed why she’s comfortably a top 10 player against Sasnovich.
The star only faced one break point as she raced to a 6-1, 6-2 victory to race into the second round in her 25th Grand Slam appearance.
The Italian made career history by making light work of her Belarusian opponent at the Melbourne tournament.
Jasmine Paolini makes career history at the Australian Open
Paolini’s comfortable victory at the Australian Open saw her do something she has never done before at a Grand Slam.
The Italian conceded her fewest games in an opening Women’s Singles match at Grand Slam events, according to OptaAce.
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The victory also confirms her ninth straight victory in the first round of a Grand Slam, taking her record up to 13-2.
Speaking after the match, the world number seven said: “I think I played a solid match. I was focused I think all the time, so it was good.
“It’s not easy to play the first match and the slams on a big court, but I’m happy with my performance.”
Paolini will play the winner of Veronika Erjavec and Magdalena Fręch in the second round of the Australian Open.
Jasmine Paolini shares social media reaction after Australian Open win
Paolini played down her impressive performances following the match, despite hitting extraordinary first-time numbers.
Taking to X mere hours after claiming her Australian Open first round victory, she said: “Solid start, to the next round!
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Credit: Sofascore
Paolini can be considered an outside bet for the Australian Open, particularly as she is the highest seed in her section.
Ekaterina Alexandrova and Marta Kostyuk, who were the next top seeds, have already crashed out of the competition.
Paolini’s most dangerous opponent before the fourth round now will likely be American teenage sensation Iva Jovic.
The Italian only reached the third round in 2025 so at the very least she should be looking to gain some valuable ranking points.
