Jasmine Paolini meets Sorana Cirstea in the US Open Round of 32 on Friday, September 4, at 15:00 UTC. Cirstea owns the smoother build-up; Paolini presents the more awkward set of questions.
Rhythm on one side, sharper angles on the other
Paolini's opening match after more than seven weeks away was untidy, but the second round was cleaner: she beat No. 119 Lucrezia Stefanini 6-4, 6-1. Her return carried her, and the left foot produced no reported fresh setback.
Cirstea's 6-2, 7-5 win over No. 31 Diane Parry was the stronger examination. She took the ball early and recovered promptly after failing to serve out the match at the first attempt. Still, winning 10 of 25 points behind her second serve leaves Paolini a clear point of entry.
The old matchup still matters
Paolini has won all three meetings, including two on hard courts. That record settles nothing by itself, but the pattern is useful: her angled forehand and compact redirection make Cirstea strike while moving rather than from a comfortable central position.
The obvious risk is Paolini's movement after the foot problem. Yet her level improved between rounds, while the price treats the interruption almost as a permanent condition. At 2.575, the Italian's return pressure and proven tactical fit are worth backing.
Prediction: Jasmine Paolini to win, odds 2.575
