Jasmine Paolini in the mood as she heads into the second round of the Australian Open

Jasmine Paolini underlined her Australian Open title credentials with a near-flawless march through the second round on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Italian delivered a fearsome bagel to Chinese qualifier Wei Sijia, who was making her Grand Slam debut, as she sprinted to a 6-0, 6-4 victory. In 2024, Paolini became the first Italian to advance to the round of 16 at all four Grand Slam tournaments of the Open Era and won the title in Dubai in a breakthrough season that propelled her into the top five .

She also reached maiden major finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and the world number four is clearly in the mood to go all the way in Melbourne.

“Maybe it all started here last year,” Paolini said. “It gave me so much confidence.

“And it’s great to be back here in Melbourne.”

Paolini came out of the blocks with an emphatic performance in the first set, landing 81 percent of her first serves against the hapless world number 117.

Wei got on the board by winning the first game of the second set.

She grew in confidence, with several winners giving her two early break points, although she was unable to convert either.

The aggressive Paolini kept the pressure on with powerful returns and groundstrokes.

She eventually broke Wei again to lead 3-2 before serving for an emphatic victory in 73 minutes.

“It’s not always easy to play the first round and she played amazing,” Paolini said of the second set.

“I didn’t know this girl before. I’ve never played her. I think we’ll see her in the top 100 soon, for sure.”

Paolini’s next mission will take place on Thursday against the American Taylor Townsend or the Mexican Renata Zarazua.

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