Ningbo Open 2025: Jovic Overcomes Slow Start vs Paolini

Ningbo, October 22: Teenager Eva Jovic recovered from a sluggish start to beat Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3 and reach the quarterfinals of the Ningbo Open. The American, seeded fourth and aged 18, progressed from the Round of 16 on Centre Court on Thursday.

Jovic had a first-round bye, so she was fresh for her first match of the event. The opening set did not go to plan early on. She was broken during the early games and trailed 1-3. Her response was decisive. She broke Paolini in both the fifth and ninth games and secured the first set.

The second set was dominated by returns. Paolini struggled to hold serve throughout, and Jovic broke her four times. Jovic also lost her serve twice in the set, but she converted her opportunities at the right moments to win it.

The victory moves the head-to-head between Jovic and Paolini to 2-2. It is Jovic's second consecutive win over the Italian, who is ranked in the world's top 50. Their previous meeting was at the Australian Open earlier this year, which Jovic also won.

The quarterfinal berth is Jovic's seventh of the season. She has advanced to the semifinals in five of her six previous quarterfinal appearances. Her 42nd tour-level win of the year is further evidence that this is the best season of her career.

Jovic will now face Alexandra Eala or Diana Schneider, the French Open semifinalist, in the quarterfinals. She has never lost to either player. She leads Eala 3-0 and Schneider 1-0 in their head-to-head records.

Jovic's form has been impressive. She defended her Guadalajara Open title last month after winning it in 2025 as well. Her run at the US Open, where she reached the fourth round for the first time, also stood out during a strong year.