Watch: Jasmine Paolini cries in agonising pain in Dubai Tennis championships

Defending Champion Jasmine Paolini suffered a devastating injury in her match against Sofia Kenin at the ongoing Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. She sustained an ankle injury. Despite her emotional response, Paolini showed a remarkable determination by finishing the match. However, it soon became evident that she was unable to compete at her best against the Americans following her return to the court.

Kenin dominated the match against Paolini in Dubai on Wednesday, February 19, by  taking a commanding 6-4 lead. As she surged forward, leading 30-0 in the first game of the second set, Paolini suffered a significant injury, twisting her right ankle while pursuing the ball. The impact was severe, causing her to fall and cry in pain, unable to hold back her tears.

A prolonged break in the proceedings ensued, after which Jasmine Paolini returned to complete the match. However, the injured star struggled against Sofia Kenin, a former Australian Open champion, who clinched the second set with an easy 6-0 victory to conclude the contest.

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Paolini cried in anguishing pain

Jasmine Paolini injured herself in her match against Sofia Kenin in Dubai.

She was in tears, but continued to fight til the end.

Heartbreaking finish for the defending champion.

Hopefully we see her back on court very soon.

🇮🇹❤️‍🩹🙏

pic.twitter.com/GlpROQvBtH

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 19, 2025

The two-time Grand Slam finalist was visibly emotional after the resumption of play, suggesting that her injury might be serious enough to sideline her for an extended period.

Paolini was scheduled to compete later in the day in women's doubles with her compatriot Sara Errani. However, the No. 4 singles player made the decisive call to withdraw from the match due to an injury. Since the beginning of the 2025 season, Paolini has not met the elevated standards she established last year.

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