New York, Aug. 25 -- Seventh seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy began her US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava in the opening round today IST.
Paolini, fresh off her runner-up finish at the Cincinnati Open last week, prevailed 6-2, 7-6(4) in one hour and 28 minutes at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Despite her No. 7 seeding and recent form, Paolini made a nervy start, dropping her opening service game to Aiava, who is ranked No. 168. The 25-year-old Australian briefly looked promising with strong forehands and a confident ace under pressure, but her inconsistency at the baseline allowed Paolini to break back immediately.
Once settled, the 29-year-old Italian imposed her tactical game, rushing the ne...