THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 2, 2025

Jasmine Paolini

Press Conference

K. RAKHIMOVA/J. Paolini

4-6, 6-4, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Jasmine, tough day. Give us your thoughts on the match.

JASMINE PAOLINI: Yes, was a tough one. I'm still thinking about the second set. I could do much better. She play a great match.

But honestly, I could play better, especially mentally, to stay there little bit more and more focused. My attention was going up and down all the time.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What do you think changed in her game from the first to the second set that affected you the most?

JASMINE PAOLINI: I think I had many, many chances, especially the first three games when she was serving, and I did some stupid mistakes where it was 15-40, and I missed two shots the first game that she was serving in the second set. Then again, I think I miss some returns in important points.

So I think my focus was a little bit going down in that moment. I think that was the, you know, bad thing of the second set because then she was playing better and better. She was more confident, as well, I think.

But me, honestly, I have to play better those kind of points.

Q. Obviously you reached the final last year. Does it feel like maybe the weight is off your shoulders to defend reaching the final last year? Now you can basically reset and focus on doubles?

JASMINE PAOLINI: I hope to. I think I feel a little bit tired right now. Is tough to accept. Was two intense months before here. I don't know, maybe I could skip the first tournament after Roland Garros, Berlin, like I did last year to rest a little bit.

But, I mean, doesn't make sense to talk about now these kind of things. I was hoping today to stand on court and try to focus every point. But, as I said before, my attention was going up and down. The goal, for sure, for the next part of the season is to reset a little bit and try to mentally stay there every point.

Q. Does the fact that many top seeds have been going out in these first few days, did that play in your mind during the second or third set? Did that thought enter your mind?

JASMINE PAOLINI: I think no. I was just trying to stay there. I was feeling actually better than the first round in the first set.

I don't know why, but I guess my attention was going out. I don't know why. But the goal, as I said, is to reset after this tournament and try to keep the focus always at the highest level because if I want to compete at this highest level in tennis, I have to be focus all the time, not like I was today.