Paolini Ends Boulter's Run at Merida Open
Britain's Katie Boulter was unable to extend her impressive form as she was defeated by Italian top seed Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals of the Merida Open.
Facing the world number seven in Mexico, Boulter started strongly, winning the first set in just 28 minutes without conceding a game.
However, errors began to affect Boulter's play as Paolini recovered to win the match 0-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Paolini, who had won only three points on her serve during the opening set, began the second set with greater determination, holding serve for the first time and then breaking Boulter to take a 3-1 lead.
Boulter, entering the match on the back of a seven-match winning streak that included the Ostrava Open title, immediately broke back to love. Despite this, neither player was able to maintain their serve in the following three games.
Paolini ultimately held her nerve to secure the second set and level the match.
The 2024 Wimbledon and French Open finalist surged to a 2-0 lead in the deciding set. Although Boulter broke back and held serve to lead 3-2, Paolini's confidence increased as she won four consecutive games to secure a place in the semi-finals.
"It was a really tough one - Katie, the first set she was smashing every ball and hitting a winner everywhere," Paolini told Sky Sports.
"I was telling myself to play more deep in the court and hit the ball harder because I had to raise the level to try and win the match and in the end it worked out.
"I was trying to be calm, to think what I had to do. I think when you're nervous you can't find the solutions."
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