Elise Mertens def. Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 6-3 — Italian Open 2026 R32

Match recap

Elise Mertens defeated Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 6-3 in the R32 of the Italian Open 2026.

World No. 22 Elise Mertens flipped a one-set deficit against No. 8 Jasmine Paolini by cashing in on return when it counted — converting 5 of 8 break points (62%) to Paolini's 5 of 11 (45%) across a 416-minute marathon. Mertens also saved 6 of 11 break points (55%) and edged the second-set tiebreak 7-5 to seize control. The win squares their head-to-head at 1-1 and marks Mertens' first meeting with Paolini on clay.

Match stats

Jasmine Paolini: 0 aces, 70% first serves, 2 double faults, 5/11 break points. Elise Mertens: 3 aces, 60% first serves, 3 double faults, 5/8 break points.

Profiles: Jasmine Paolini · Elise Mertens — Italian Open 2026

Head-to-head

Jasmine Paolini and Elise Mertens have met 2 times, splitting the head-to-head 1–1.

• Eastbourne International 2024 R16 — Jasmine Paolini won 5-2 (ret.)