Another Grand Slam, another second attempt for Jasmine Paolini, who reached the fourth round of every Grand Slam this season alongside Coco Gauff with her 6-3, 6-4 win over Yulia Putintseva on Saturday.

The little bundle of energy has not only established herself as a regular player in the second week, but has also reached the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon – an impressive run for a player who had never made it past the second round of a Grand Slam tournament until this year.

“This year has been incredible,” she said. “It’s crazy to think that was something I was told at the beginning of the year before the Australian Open.”

Paolini, who is ranked 30th in 2023, making her world number five, said her rise was due to gradual improvements in several areas of her game.

“I think I’m serving better, and I think I’m improving the return a little bit as well,” Paolini said. “Also the forehand when I’m defending. I think a lot of aspects of the game (have improved) … and I think the doubles volleys are getting better as well.”

Perhaps even more importantly, every victory brings a decisive boost of confidence.

“You see the game better. When you’re under pressure, you might make better decisions,” she said.

Karolina Muchova, who will face Paolini for a place in the quarterfinals, called the 28-year-old’s rise “inspiring.”

And sixth-placed American Jessica Pegula, herself a late bloomer, said she was delighted that things had apparently “clicked” for the Italian.

“I love it when players are successful later in their careers,” Pegula said.

“We get so attached to all the stories about how everyone was so young, and if you don’t do well right away, then suddenly you become a journeyman’s wife and the person that never really worked out and all that negative stuff.

“We’ve seen this kind of change a lot in recent years. I’m that kind of person and I like to see how these stories develop.”

bb/dj