Jasmine Paolini Breaks Down in Tears Mid-Match Before Opening-Round Exit at Stuttgart Open

Zeynep Sonmez defeated Jasmine Paolini, registering her career's first top 10 win.

Jasmine Paolini Breaks Down in Tears Mid-Match Before Opening-Round Exit at Stuttgart Open

Jasmine Paolini broke down in tears in Stuttgart (Image via X/Game, Set & Talk, Tiempo De Tenis)

In Short
  • Zeynep Sonmez defeated World No.8 Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round of the Stuttgart Open.
  • This victory marked Sonmez's first win against a top 10 player and propelled her to a career-high ranking of No.67.
  • Jasmine Paolini was visibly emotional during the match, struggling with her performance and facing early exits in multiple tournaments this season.

Zeynep Sonmez produced her career’s best performance on Wednesday (April 15) in the opening round of the Stuttgart Open. Up against her was World No.8 Jasmine Paolini, whom she knocked out with a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline in just 75 minutes.

The 23-year-old registered the biggest win of her career, and the victory helped her reach her career-best No.67 in the live rankings. This was also the first time she beat a top 10 player. She held her serve throughout her match and saved the only break point she faced. Before her defeat, a struggling Paolini, while trailing 0-1 in the second set, was seen wiping away her tears.

Watch the video here:

This is not the first time that Paolini has suffered an early-round exit this year. She has not won more than two matches in a tournament this season.

The last time the Italian ace reached a singles final was at the 2025 Cincinnati Open and registered a straight-set defeat at the hands of Iga Swiatek. She last won a singles title in the home tournament, the Italian Open last year by defeating Coco Gauff.

In doubles as well, the pair of Paolini and Sara Errani has yet to taste success this season. The 2025 French Open doubles champion couldn’t beat the pair of Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend in the final of the Miami Open. It was also the first time the Italian players progressed to a final this season.

Porsche cars motivated Zeynep Sonmez during her match against Jasmine Paolini

Zeynep Sonmez is playing in Stuttgart for the first time in her career. While she was competing on court Butch Buchholz, the Porsche cars that were on display motivated her to produce better performance. The tournament awards the Porsche car to the champion as per its custom.

Zeynep Sonmez
Zeynep Sonmez (Image via X/Jimmy48 Photography)

First and foremost, I’d like to say it was a pleasure sharing the court with Jasmine. She’s an excellent player. I really enjoy playing against her. I think this is the biggest win of my career, so I’m very happy. I felt great on court. I’d trained well and tried to get used to the clay. It was good to have played two qualifying matches. I got accustomed to the courts.

Zeynep Sonmez said during the on-court interview

Last year, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka bought the car herself after losing the final for the fourth time in her career. It was Jelena Ostapenko who took home the luxury car.

We had a clear game plan, and I stuck to it well. I’m very pleased with my victory. For sure, the cars are a great source of motivation. When you sit down during changeovers, you see the cars in the distance. I told myself: ‘Maybe I should try a bit harder!’

Zeynep Sonmez added

Sonmez will hope that the car continues to motivate her as the tournament progresses. In the round of 16, Sonmez will be up against Leylah Fernandez, who eliminated Alexandra Eala.

Prior to the WTA 500 event on clay, Sonmez suffered a second-round exit on her main draw debut at the Miami Open. She also lost in the second round of the Indian Wells on her main draw debut. Apart from the two Sunshine Double events, Sonmez also played in Dubai for the first time.

Sonmez is a one-time singles champion on the WTA Tour. Back in 2024, she reached her career’s first tour-level final at the Merida Open and defeated Ann Li. In Grand Slam events, Sonmez produced her best performance when she reached the third round of the 2026 Australian Open and the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.

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