Paolini and Rybakina Triumph in Second Round at China Open

BEIJING, China — No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini and No. 8 seed Elena Rybakina both secured victories in the second round of the China Open on September 26, 2025. The two players demonstrated strong performances during critical points in their matches.

Paolini faced 2018 finalist Anastasija Sevastova and won decisively with a score of 6-1, 6-3, finishing in just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Paolini is coming off a Billie Jean King Cup title defense with Italy and showed her readiness on the court by saving all seven break points that she faced. “Every point mattered, and I just focused on my game,” Paolini said after the match.

Unlike Paolini, Rybakina had a more challenging match against Caty McNally, edging her out with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 after 2 hours and 28 minutes. Rybakina struggled with a shoulder issue and committed 68 unforced errors. However, she saved crucial set points at 5-4 in the first set, showcasing her tenacity. “I didn’t play my best, but I found a way to win,” Rybakina commented.

Looking ahead, Paolini will meet No. 27 seed Sofia Kenin, who defeated Polina Kudermetova 6-4, 6-2 in her second-round match. Rybakina’s next challenge will be against Eva Lys, who pulled off a comeback to beat No. 32 seed Iva Jovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.