World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini continued her strong US Open campaign with a 6–3, 6–2 victory over 17-year-old Iva Jovic in the second round (Round of 64). Playing her first main-draw US Open, Jovic impressed the New York crowd with flashes of fearless hitting and her ability to stay composed under pressure, even finding her rhythm late in the contest. But Paolini’s consistency, physicality, and experience ultimately proved too much, sending the Italian safely into the third round.
Set 1 – Paolini sets the tone with early break, 6–3
Paolini opened the match with a confident hold before immediately breaking Jovic to seize control at 2–0. The Italian consolidated with steady, well-placed serves and heavy groundstrokes, forcing Jovic into defensive positions.
The American teenager managed to settle with solid holds, pulling back to 3–5, but Paolini’s early lead was never threatened. Serving for the set, she faced resistance in a deuce battle but held firm, finally closing out the opener 6–3 on her third set point. The opener showcased Paolini’s trademark court coverage and composure in tight moments.
Set 2 – Paolini withstands fightback, completes the win
Jovic again came under immediate pressure, broken in her opening service game. Paolini consolidated after a long, gritty hold, then extended her advantage with another break for 3–0.
To the delight of the crowd, Jovic showed her resilience in the next game, breaking Paolini to cut the deficit to 1–3. The youngster’s aggressive baseline hitting briefly disrupted Paolini’s rhythm, but the world No. 8 quickly struck back with her third break of the set for 4–1. From there, Paolini never looked back, absorbing Jovic’s late charge.
At 5–3, Jovic fought hard, saving multiple match points with some of her best tennis of the day — smiling through the tension as she connected on bold winners. It was a glimpse of her growing comfort on the Grand Slam stage. Yet Paolini’s discipline carried her through; she converted on her fourth match point to seal the 6–2 set and wrap up the match in straight sets.
Match Summary
Paolini’s 6–3, 6–2 win was built on early breaks and efficient serving, denying Jovic any chance to gain real momentum. Still, the 17-year-old American left the court with positives, finding her rhythm late and earning cheers for her fearless shot-making under pressure. Paolini, meanwhile, marches into the third round, her form and confidence intact as she looks to make a deep run in New York.
Key Turning Points
- Early control: Paolini saved break points in the first game, then broke Jovic immediately to set the tone for Set 1.
- Double break cushion: The Italian extended her lead to 3–0 in the second set, leaving Jovic to chase throughout.
- Teen fightback: Jovic’s break at 1–3 showed her resilience and sparked the crowd.
- Closing nerves handled: Serving at 5–3 in Set 2, Paolini needed four match points, but her composure on return sealed victory.
Jovic vs Paolini – Full Match Stats
| Statistic | Jovic | Paolini |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 0.86 | 1.16 |
| Winners | 15 | 18 |
| Unforced Errors | 27 | 18 |
| Serve Rating | 194 | 246 |
| Aces | 3 | 1 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 4 |
| 1st Serve % | 53% (28/53) | 67% (50/75) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 57% (16/28) | 62% (31/50) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 40% (10/25) | 42% (11/26) |
| Break Points Saved | 50% (5/10) | 82% (9/11) |
| Service Games | 44% (4/9) | 78% (7/9) |
| Ace % | 5.7% | 1.3% |
| Double Fault % | 5.7% | 5.3% |
| Return Rating | 136 | 209 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 38% (19/50) | 43% (12/28) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 58% (15/26) | 60% (15/25) |
| Break Points Won | 18% (2/11) | 50% (5/10) |
| Return Games | 22% (2/9) | 56% (5/9) |
| Pressure Points | 33% (7/21) | 67% (14/21) |
| Service Points | 49% (26/53) | 56% (42/75) |
| Return Points | 44% (33/75) | 51% (27/53) |
| Net Points | 78% (7/9) | 82% (9/11) |
| Total Points | 46% (59/128) | 54% (69/128) |
| Match Points Saved | 4 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 5 | 6 |
| Total Service Games | 44% (4/9) | 78% (7/9) |
| Total Return Games | 22% (2/9) | 56% (5/9) |
| Total Games | 33% (6/18) | 67% (12/18) |
| Max Games In A Row | 2 | 4 |
| Match Duration | 1h 28m | |