Paolini Rallies From 0-5 Deficit to Beat Kalinina in Ningbo

A remarkable second-set recovery sent Jasmine Paolini into the round of 16 at the 2026 WTA Ningbo tournament in China, where the Italian defeated Ukrainian lucky loser Anhelina Kalinina 6-2, 7-5. Paolini overturned a 0-5 deficit to complete the straight-sets victory after more than 90 minutes on court. The comeback proved decisive after Kalinina had taken control of the second set.

According to Tennis World Italia, the Ukrainian built her advantage by capitalizing on errors from Paolini, who struggled to maintain the form she had shown in the opening set. Paolini will next face American teenager Iva Jovic in the round of 16. The Italian reached the semifinals in Ningbo last year and is seeking a stronger finish to a difficult season after falling outside the world's top 30, according to Tennis World Italia.

The opening set featured frequent opportunities to break serve, with both players making an early impact on return. Paolini proved more effective at converting those chances, gaining control through a break in the sixth game after deuce before closing out the set 6-2.

Kalinina dropped serve again late in the opening set, allowing the Italian to extend her advantage. Although the Ukrainian struggled to hold serve consistently, she responded strongly at the start of the second set and appeared close to forcing a deciding set. Three breaks put Paolini 0-5 behind in the second set. According to Tennis World Italia, Kalinina secured one break after deuce, another at 15 and a third following another deuce game, while Paolini's errors disrupted her rhythm.

Paolini began her recovery by earning a break at 30. She then broke Kalinina twice more without conceding a point in either game, bringing the set level at 5-5 and shifting control back to the Italian. The players' contrasting performances in the final games determined the result.

Paolini held serve at 30 to move ahead, while Kalinina lost her next service game despite leading 40-15. Paolini converted her second match point to secure the 7-5 set and finish the match in straight sets.

The victory advances Paolini to a meeting with Jovic, described by Tennis World Italia as a highly talented young American. Paolini, who is coached by Federico Gaio and Sara Errani, now faces another test as she continues her campaign at the Chinese WTA 500 event.