Jasmine Paolini defeats Veronika Erjavec in three sets to reach US Open second round
The 19th seed from Italy returned from a 53-day injury layoff to beat Slovenia's Veronika Erjavec 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in New York.
Return to competition
Jasmine Paolini returned to competitive tennis on 30 August 2026 at the US Open, securing a first-round victory over Slovenia's Veronika Erjavec on the Louis Armstrong court. The 30-year-old Italian, seeded 19th in the women's singles draw, required one hour and 45 minutes to defeat the world number 106 with a final score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. The contest was Paolini's first official appearance since 8 July 2026, when she exited Wimbledon in the quarter-finals against Marta Kostyuk. A foot problem kept the player from Bagni di Lucca off the court for 53 days, sidelining her for nearly two months before the hard-court tournament in New York.
- Loss to Marta Kostyuk in Wimbledon quarter-finals before 53-day injury layoff
- Defeats Veronika Erjavec in three sets in US Open first round
Match progression and third-set finish
The opening set began with an immediate loss of serve for Paolini, who struggled with unforced errors during the initial exchanges. She recovered the break and captured three consecutive games to take the first set 6-3. Erjavec, 26, responded in the second set by shifting the momentum from a 2-3 deficit to a 5-2 lead, ultimately claiming the set 6-3 to level the match. Across the contest, Erjavec conceded 17 break opportunities, losing her serve seven times, while Paolini committed 36 unforced errors.
In the deciding third set, Paolini established an early 4-1 advantage before Erjavec reduced the margin to 4-3. Paolini extended her lead to 5-3, but Erjavec saved a match point to hold serve at 5-4. Serving for the match in the tenth game, Paolini converted on her third match point after Erjavec sent a forehand wide.
- Paolini unforced errors
- 36
- Erjavec break points faced
- 17
- Erjavec service games lost
- 7
Post-match reactions
Speaking on the court following her win, Paolini discussed the physical and mental demands of returning after extended rehabilitation.
It was hard to come back after an injury, the first match on hard court is never easy. She tested me because she moves well and runs well on the court. I am happy to have brought it home and in the end this match helped me for the next rounds.
Paolini also noted the tension she felt during the match, explaining that her movement was not at its peak during her first competitive match on hard courts.
It was a very tough match, I hope it can help me for the next match. There is never anything taken for granted in tennis, I hope to feel better in the next round. I felt very nervous, I realized I was not moving at 100%. I hope to trust my game much more. I need the crowd's support, I tried to relax and smile more, I forced myself. For me it is important to have fun but sometimes it is hard, today I was very nervous.
Second-round matchups
Paolini's victory advances her to the second round, where she will face either compatriot Lucrezia Stefanini or Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska. Stefanini, ranked 119th in the WTA rankings, entered the main draw through the qualifying tournament, while Yastremska holds the 113th position. A win for Stefanini would set up an all-Italian match in the subsequent round of the women's singles tournament. Paolini also commented on Roger Federer's induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame, describing the Swiss player as her longtime idol who represents the sport through his personality and achievements.
