Paolini powers past Andreescu at Wimbledon

Jasmine Paolini resisted a strong opening set effort from Bianca Andreescu, powering past the Canadian 7-6(4), 6-1 to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon on Friday.

The Italian struck 17 winners and converted four of seven break point chances in the 1 hour and 31 minute victory.

In a rematch of their Roland Garros clash just over a month ago, both competitors were keen to display their skillset on the grass courts of the All England Club.

While Andreescu came out firing quickly, striking three winners to break in the opening game, Paolini responded with a break of her own, and promptly moved ahead 2-1.

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The Canadian held her nerve in the follow service game, denying the Italian to break point opportunities to even the set at two games apiece.

From there, the spirited, high-quality affair would remain on even terms as both players imposed their power and shot making from the baseline.

Neither player would create another break point chance as they reached the business end of a tough opening set, with the Italian holding serve to send matters into a tiebreak.

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The 28-year-old made the first move, finding a forehand winner to get an early 3-1 advantage. Andreescu, however, responded with three consecutive points to move ahead 4-3.

Photo – Martin Sidorjak

A costly miss on return from Andreescu at 4-all opened the door for the Italian. She drew an forehand error from the Canadian to push ahead 6-4 and then showcased her world class movement, defending a backhand in the deep corner of the court to seize the opening set 7-6(4) in 58 minutes.

Deriving confidence from the first set, the recent French Open runner-up continued an aggressive charge in the second.

After exchanging holds, Paolini struck a series of deep and quality returns, forcing the Canadian off balance and scrambling. The Italian found a volley winner to break for a 2-1 lead.

A fortuitous net cord winner brought up double break point again for the 28-year-old in the sixth game. She would capitalize, producing a delicate half volley winner to secure a second break of serve.

In charge on the scoreboard ahead 5-1, the free-swinging Italian again put Andreescu under more pressure.

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On her first match point of asking, Paolini struck a backhand return winner to seal the match in straight sets.

The Italian now leads the head-to-head 2-0 over Andreescu, who both matches coming at Grand Slams. With the loss, there are now no Canadian women left in singles at the All England Club. Gaby Dabrowsi and Leylah Annie Fernandez are both still in competition in doubles.