Svitolina Survives To Make Quarters

Ukrainian defies form book and momentum to eliminate Paolini, faces Swiatek in last 8

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PARIS — Elina Svitolina saved three match points to eliminate 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini on June 1 and book her place in the French Open quarter-finals.

The 13th seed roared back to upset the fourth-ranked Italian 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 in their last-16 tie.

"I still cannot believe that this match finished my way. It was a really difficult match today, Jasmine was playing really well," said the Ukrainian.

"It was really tough for me, but I'm very happy I was able to stay composed and fight until the very last point."

The 30-year-old will next face three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek for a spot in the semifinals. The Pole squeaked past former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina.

Svitolina has never progressed further than the last eight at Roland Garros, falling at that stage four times since her Paris debut 12 years ago.

Paolini, who prepared for her tilt at the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen by winning the Italian Open earlier in May, has now fallen to the Ukrainian in both Grand Slams so far in 2025.

In the third round of the Australian Open, the Italian won the opening set before Svitolina staged a comeback and won the third set to love.