Jasmine Paolini defeats Anna Kalinskaya to win Dubai Championships

Italian Jasmine Paolini came back from a set down to defeat qualifier Anna Kalinskaya 4-6 7-5 7-5 in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, winning her second WTA singles title.

Kalinskaya, the Australian Open quarter-finalist, had been on a tear in Dubai, defeating world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals and knocking out Grand Slam champions Coco Gauff and Jelena Ostapenko in the previous rounds.

The Russian defeated Paolini at Melbourne Park last month, and had taken the first set. But Paolini mounted a comeback and levelled the tie, only to find herself in trouble in the decider, trailing 3-5.

However, the 28-year-old maintained her cool to secure the victory, becoming only the fourth player in 24 years to win the Dubai final after losing the opening set.

"It was really tough. I tried to stay focused on every point to believe it. I'm really proud of myself," Paolini said in her post-match interview.

Paolini, who won her first title at the 2021 Slovenia Open, advanced to the finals after defeating top-25 ranked players Sorana Cirstea, Maria Sakkari, and Beatriz Haddad Maia.

She becomes only the second Italian champion in Dubai, following Sara Errani.

Paolini is currently ranked 26th and will make her top 20 debut on Monday. Despite the defeat, Kalinskaya, who is ranked 40th, will rise to a new career high inside the top thirty.

SportsLigue