Home / Sports / Paolini Survives Scare in Italian Open Defense
Paolini Survives Scare in Italian Open Defense
9 May
Summary
- Paolini secured a comeback win against Leolia Jeanjean.
- Mertens advanced with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Udvardy.
- Mertens leads their head-to-head rivalry 4-2.
Jasmine Paolini, the defending champion, has advanced to the third round of the Italian Open 2026 after a challenging 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-4 comeback victory over qualifier Leolia Jeanjean. Paolini, who also entered the tournament as the defending doubles champion, secured her 11th singles win of the season. Her next opponent will be Elise Mertens.
Mertens, who received a bye in the first round, defeated Panna Udvardy 6-4, 6-2. Mertens holds a 15-8 win-loss record for the season and a 4-2 record on clay courts. She has previously reached the quarterfinals at the Italian Open in 2020.
In their head-to-head encounters, Mertens leads Paolini 4-2. Mertens is considered the favorite to win their upcoming match, remaining undefeated against Paolini on clay.
