Jasmine Paolini Wins Longest Match of Season at AUX Ningbo Open

NINGBO, China — Jasmine Paolini overcame a fierce challenge from Belinda Bencic in the AUX Ningbo Open quarterfinals. The Italian player won a grueling match that lasted 3 hours and 22 minutes, winning with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3. With this victory, Paolini is now one win away from securing her spot in the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Paolini, the No. 2 seed, had to battle back from a set and a break down against Bencic, who previously held the year’s longest match record. Paolini’s win sets up a semifinal clash with Elena Rybakina, who defeated Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-0 earlier in the day.

‘Of course it’s in my mind, but when I step on court I try to think about the tennis,’ Paolini commented post-match. Despite feeling the pressure of the WTA Finals looming, she managed to focus on her gameplay.

Bencic had a chance to serve for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but Paolini thwarted her bid with some impressive tennis, saving herself from defeat. The win marked a significant milestone for Paolini, as it was her longest match of the season and her first time exceeding the three-hour mark since 2022.

Rybakina, looking to secure her own qualification, expressed similar sentiments about managing the pressure, saying, ‘I know for this I still need to win a lot of matches, not only here but also next week.’ Their upcoming match is expected to be a crucial stage in their journey toward the WTA Finals.

In another notable result, Ekaterina Alexandrova confirmed her alternate position in the Riyadh finals after winning against McCartney Kessler, solidifying her spot for the year-end event.