How Did Paolini and Pegula Reach the Quarters at Bad Homburg Open?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jasmine Paolini showcased resilience and clutch performance against Leylah Fernandez.
- Jessica Pegula exhibited efficiency in her match against Katerina Siniakova.
- Both matches highlighted the competitive nature of women's tennis.
- Paolini's match was one of the longest of the year.
- Pegula's strong serving was key to her victory.
Bad Homburg (Germany), June 24 (NationPress) The top two seeds at the Bad Homburg Open both advanced to the quarterfinals on Tuesday, but they took very different paths to get there.
Second seed Jasmine Paolini had to battle through a series of set-point saves and match-point opportunities before defeating Leylah Fernandez 7-6(8), 7-6(6) in a match that lasted 2 hours and 32 minutes, marking it as one of the longest two-set matches of 2025 so far. On the other hand, No. 1 Jessica Pegula showcased her efficiency with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 victory over qualifier Katerina Siniakova in just 66 minutes.
Paolini's win was a testament to her clutch performance. The match began with a remarkable seven-deuce opening game, which Fernandez eventually secured. From that point, both players exchanged momentum. Paolini, displaying impressive volleying skills, initially took a 4-2 lead, but Fernandez quickly countered with a three-game streak. At 6-5, Fernandez had her first set point, but Paolini produced a stunning lob on the run, saving it after an exhausting rally, as reported by WTA.
Fernandez had two more set points in the tiebreak, but Paolini seized her second opportunity after another captivating exchange, surprising the former US Open runner-up with a well-timed short smash.
In the second set, Paolini surged ahead 5-2, but Fernandez increased her baseline aggression, particularly from her forehand side, leading to a remarkable comeback. Down 5-2, she saved a match point with an ace and leveled the score at 5-5. Fernandez narrowly escaped a triple match point at 6-5, as Paolini's backhand faltered, and she had double set points in the tiebreak.
However, Fernandez could not convert either, allowing a relieved Paolini to clinch the final four points of the match. She will face either No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina or Beatriz Haddad Maia next.
Pegula and Siniakova have a history of competitive encounters, particularly on grass. Siniakova triumphed 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the second round of the 2021 Bad Homburg, while Pegula claimed victory last year with a score of 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-3 in the Berlin quarterfinals en route to her first grass-court title.
In their latest matchup, Pegula exhibited near-perfect serving, dropping only four points on her first serve and facing just two break points throughout the match. She now advances to meet either No. 5 seed Emma Navarro or wildcard Naomi Osaka.