Kenin and Paolini Clash in Dubai Championship Third Round

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Sofia Kenin will face Jasmine Paolini in the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on February 19, 2025. Kenin, who recently saved two match points in an intense second-round match, aims to end the defending champion’s six-match winning streak as they meet for the third time on the WTA Tour.

Kenin, ranked 56th in the world, has managed to turn her fortunes around this week. After a challenging spell that saw her enter the tournament on a five-match losing streak, she made a significant comeback by defeating 16th seed Donna Vekic in the first round and overcoming Marta Kostyuk in a nail-biting second round, winning 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(5).

The American’s current form showcases a strong improvement, as she holds a 9-5 record this season, with four victories in her last five matches. “I feel like I’m playing better,” Kenin said. “I just need to maintain my focus going into the next match.”

Paolini, the defending champion and a crowd favorite, advanced to this round after a resilient performance against Eva Lys, winning 6-2, 7-5 despite facing rain interruptions. The fourth seed has a season record of 6-1 in Dubai, displaying her prowess on the hard courts.

Despite Paolini’s success, she will need to sharpen her service game for this matchup; in her last match, she lost serve three times. “It’s essential I improve my serve to stay competitive against players like Kenin,” Paolini acknowledged following her second-round win.

Throughout their two previous encounters, Kenin has a perfect 2-0 record against Paolini, and she remains optimistic about extending this streak. “I’ve got good memories from our previous matches. I’m ready for a tough battle,” she stated.

Paolini knows the challenge Kenin presents, particularly with her aggressive play and remarkable baseline game. “I respect Sofia’s game; she’s a formidable opponent. I must bring my best to this match,” said Paolini.

The stakes are high for both players, but as Kenin seeks to reclaim her former glory, Paolini aims to continue her strong title defense. The Dubai Tennis Championships has proven to be a platform for both athletes to showcase their talent, making this third-round clash a must-watch.