Jasmine Paolini, the Italian third seed, advanced to the semifinals of the Eastbourne International on Thursday, overcoming a spirited challenge from British number one Katie Boulter. Paolini, who reached the French Open final earlier this month, dominated the first set, breaking Boulter twice to take a commanding lead. The second set proved to be more evenly contested, with both players exchanging breaks. However, Paolini showcased her experience in the tie-break, winning seven consecutive points to seal a 6-1, 7-6 (7/0) victory.
Paolini, speaking after the match, expressed her delight with her performance, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against Boulter on home soil. “Today I played a really good match,” she said. “She’s a really good player on grass. Of course, she’s British, so it’s tough to beat her here, especially. I’m happy, I’m enjoying the grass here in Eastbourne.”
Meanwhile, Daria Kasatkina, the sixth seed, eased past Emma Raducanu in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. Raducanu, the former US Open champion, had celebrated a notable victory over Jessica Pegula earlier in the tournament. Kasatkina broke Raducanu twice in the first set to establish early control. The second set was more competitive, with six breaks of serve, but Kasatkina held her nerve to claim victory.
In another women’s match, Leylah Fernandez reached her first semifinal of the season, defeating Harriet Dart 6-2, 6-1. Fernandez will now face defending champion Madison Keys in the last four, after Karolina Muchova withdrew from their semifinal clash due to a right wrist injury.
The men’s competition saw Taylor Fritz, the top seed and two-time champion, survive a tough encounter against Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng, winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5).
British player Billy Harris continued his remarkable grass-court season, beating Flavio Cobolli 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. Harris, who reached his first quarterfinal at Queen’s last week, has been travelling and sleeping in a converted van.
Australian qualifier Max Purcell overcame Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets, while Aleksandar Vukic, another Australian, emerged victorious in a third-set tie-break against Yoshihito Nishioka.
