Jasmine Paolini has more power than her slight frame would imply, proving that one doesn't have to be tall to be a brilliant player. What gives the Italian issues, though, is when she faces an opponent with easy power, as she did in the first round of the 2026 US Open when she played Veronika Erjavec.
To be clear, Paolini, the 19-seed at the New York major, was the heavy favorite entering the match against the 26-year-old Slovenian, but that didn't mean the match wasn't going to be stressful. The Italian hasn't had her best year in 2026, so expecting much to come with ease would likely be expecting too much.
Still, she battles, and one has to overcome Paolini's skill and determination to defeat her. In the first set, Erjavec tried to do just that, but Paolini's fantastic ability to return serve outmatched her foe. The Italian wasn't serving overpoweringly, but she was able to lengthen points and get the best of most of the rallies.
Jasmine Paolini dispatches Veronika Erjavec in the first round of the 2026 US Open
Paolini dropped serve in the first game, but then broke right back and then got another break at 4-3. She appeared headed toward a less-than-spectacular victory in straight sets.
Instead, Erjavec stayed constant in her form in set two, menacingly close to what Paolini was trying to do until the Italian began to suffer a rash of unforced errors. She had nine by the time the set was 2-5, and Erjavec had broken her three times. More worryingly, Paolini appeared to be struggling with a foot issue and wasn't moving as well as she needed to to win matches.
Defense has always been the key to the Italian's success in recent years, and a lack of being able to cover the court as well would diminish her chances to win not only the US Open, but any match she might play at the tournament. Such was the situation versus Erjavec, as after a hold at 5-3, the Slovenian had forced a third and final set.
The third set was a roller coaster. Paolini jumped out to a big lead, but Erjavec clawed back to 3-4 and on serve. Paolini was able to get another break to reach 5-3, though. She wasn't playing exceedingly well, but just barely enough to maybe take the match.
The Italian's problem was not being able to hold serve, however. She might have the advantage, oddly enough, when Erjavec was serving, but the opposite was true when Paolini served. Trying to serve out the match, Paolini was broken again, and Erjavec was serving to try to get to 5-all.
She couldn't. Paolini got yet another break to take the third set 6-4, and squeaked into the next round.
Jasmine Paolini will next face the winner of the match between Lucrezia Stefanini and Dayana Yastremska in the second round. Paolini should be favored, but needs to play better.
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