Jasmine Paolini, currently ranked world No. 4, is set to face off against Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the second round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. This matchup marks their second meeting, with Paolini having previously won their only encounter convincingly in straight sets in 2022.
In her opening match at Wimbledon, Paolini showcased her resilience by overcoming Anastasija Sevastova, coming from behind to secure the victory, which highlights her mental strength on grass courts. This follows her recent performance in Bad Homburg, where she reached the semifinals before losing to Iga Swiatek. With a season record of 28 wins to 11 losses, Paolini has proven her capabilities, with a notable title in Rome and a semifinal finish in Miami earlier this year. Following the early exits of fellow Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula from the tournament, Paolini stands as the second highest-ranked player still in contention.
On the other hand, Kamilla Rakhimova, who also demonstrated her fighting spirit by defeating Aoi Ito in the first round, has shown promise on grass this season, posting a 7-3 record. Rakhimova’s journey to the quarterfinals at the Lexus Eastbourne Open included a comeback from 2-4 down against Peyton Stearns. Despite her recent success, she faces challenges, particularly with fatigue, as she has played nine matches in a span of just 11 days.
Historically, Rakhimova has struggled against top players, with a record of 0-7 against top-10 opponents. Despite this, her recent performances on grass may give her the edge needed to surprise Paolini.
As they prepare for this crucial match, the stakes are high. Paolini enters as the favorite according to betting odds, reflecting her current form and hard-earned experience. However, with both players showing mental resilience and competitive spirit, the encounter promises to be an exciting clash.
Predictions suggest a closely contested match, with many believing Paolini will ultimately prevail, potentially in three sets. As the tournament unfolds, fans will be eager to see if Rakhimova can continue her impressive form or if Paolini can assert her dominance on the grass once again.
This matchup serves as an exciting reminder of the unpredictability of tennis, where past performance does not always dictate future success.