By; Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Paolini’s steady progress clashes with her compatriot Jannik Sinner in the men’s circuit, making the pair to show a lot of hopes for the Italian tennis.
With world number one Sinner winning the Australian Open and U.S. Open last year, Italian fans were spoilt to have players to cheer in singles finals at all the Grand Slams in 2024.
Paolini will now contend with Renata Zarazua from Mexico for a place in the third round of the Austrailian open.
Though paolini s contender showed a lot of dexterity Grand Slam debutant Wei offered little resistance in the first set, Paolini was given a proper work-out in the second by the 21-year-old.
Paolini had to raise her game to shake off Wei, breaking her in the fifth game with a forehand return winner.
Wei saved a match point at 5-3 but Paolini served it out in the next game, bolting forward to smash a cross-court forehand winner and soak up the cheers of a strong Italian contingent in the crowd.
“I feel very happy, of course,” said Paolini.
She did say that it was not always easy to play the first round. “….I had a solid serve today.” And she also added that it was great to be back in Australia.
