Paolini storm: Sakkari swept aside in 67 minutes

One of the most emphatic scorelines of the day in the Wimbledon third round belonged to Jasmine Paolini. The 13th seed dispatched Maria Sakkari, a former world number three, 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes to book her spot in the last 16. A finalist on these courts two years ago, the Italian issued the loudest possible reminder of her grass-court credentials.

The match was under the Italian's control from first ball to last. Rarely troubled on serve, Paolini pocketed the opening set 6-1 in under half an hour. She refused to ease off in the second, maintaining the gap against an opponent who never found her rhythm and drowned in errors. Sakkari failed to convert a single break-point opportunity all afternoon, while Paolini's aggressive returning kept the rallies short and gave the contest the feel of a practice session at times.

For the Greek, the result was the latest chapter in a long search for form. Once entrenched among the world's top three, Sakkari has slipped to 43rd in the rankings, and this heavy London defeat laid bare how painful the rebuilding process has been.

The picture is far brighter for Paolini. The Italian, who reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, has looked at ease on grass in every match this fortnight. In the last 16, the tournament's biggest story awaits her: her opponent will be Alexandra Eala, the Filipina star who made history by knocking out defending champion Iga Swiatek on Centre Court. Experience against fairytale — it is already shaping up as one of the second week's most intriguing clashes.

Match Stats
Score: 6-1, 6-2 · Duration: 1 hour 7 minutes
Winners: Paolini 11 – Sakkari 11 · Unforced errors: Paolini 9 – Sakkari 23
Breaks: Paolini 4/10 – Sakkari 0/2

Image: Punto de Break