Jasmine Paolini was a breath of fresh air last year. The diminutive Italian became the breakout star on the 2024 star, winning a maiden WTA 1000 event in Dubai and finishing runner-up in two slams (Roland Garros and Wimbledon).
2025 WTA Tour
WTA 1000
Miami Open
Miami Gardens, Miami, Florida (Outdoor Hardcourts)
Selected Quarterfinals- 25th-26th March
25th March
Jasmine Paolini (6) 0.57 vs Magda Linette 1.35
Jasmine Paolini was a breath of fresh air last year. The diminutive Italian became the breakout star on the 2024 star, winning a maiden WTA 1000 event in Dubai and finishing runner-up in two slams (Roland Garros and Wimbledon). Her dynamic, aggressive brand of tennis (highlighted by a megawatt forehand) was just a joy to behold. She has understandably struggled to replicate that form in 2024, failing to win three consecutive matches prior to this fortnight. But she has broken that hoodoo in grand style, showing remarkable grit to come from behind and take down four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Paolini’s serve was under perpetual pressure in the match and she showed commendable resilience to hold off 12 of 15 break points. She was more efficient, converting three of five break points in a high quality affair. The win ended her sequence of three consecutive WTA 1000 round of 16 defeats (she was thrashed by Samsonova at Indian Wells). She appears to have some pep in her step and will be oozing with confidence going into this clash.
Magda Linette just produced one of the best performances of her career, exploiting Coco Gauff’s current serving woes to triumph 6-4, 6-4. It marked the first time that Linette had beaten a top ten opponent since she defeated Paolini in Beijing. It also brought up her 5th career victory over a top five opponent. The 33-year-old Pole has had a busy season, coming into this event with a decent 10-8 record (the highlight of which being a quarterfinal run in Abu Dhabi). But she has unlocked something this fortnight, winning all three of her matches in straight sets. Gauff had her typical struggles on serve, notching up a slightly embarrassing 12 double faults. Linette didn’t hesitate, pouncing when Gauff could land some 2nd deliveries. Linette used to be a counterpuncher but appears to be playing with a lot more aggression this fortnight (which is reminiscent of when she reached the Aussie Open semis back in 2023).
The Verdict: Linette to win in straight sets at 2.75- Linette leads the head-to-head 2-1, winning in straight sets in Beijing last year. I really like the Pole’s chances this week. The WTA 1000 events have been wild this season and Linette will be buzzing after that Gauff win. She is playing with real aggression, looking to punish anything remotely short. This is her biggest match in some time and she should be massively motivated. Also, Paolini has real moments of difficulty against Osaka.
