Peyton Stearns is making waves at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where she has just triumphed over No. 16 seed Elina Svitolina in an exhilarating quarterfinal match. Stearns fought hard and won in a third-set tiebreak, making her the first player in the Open Era to clinch three consecutive WTA main-draw matches using this nail-biting format.
Upcoming Semifinal Challenge
Next up for Stearns is a tough semifinal against Italy’s top player Jasmine Paolini on Thursday. Paolini, who is seeded No. 6, secured her spot in the semifinals after defeating No. 13 seed Diana Shnaider in a three-set match earlier on Tuesday. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest, as both players are showcasing impressive form throughout the tournament.
Currently ranked World No. 42, Stearns has reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal, which guarantees her a new career-high ranking in the PIF WTA Rankings set to be released on Monday. This significant achievement could also earn her a seed at the upcoming Grand Slam tournament, Roland Garros, further solidifying her status as one of the rising stars in women’s tennis.
Stearns, who won the NCAA championship in 2022 while playing for the University of Texas, is debuting at this tournament but has been playing as if she’s a seasoned veteran. Before this event, she hadn’t made it past the quarterfinals in any tournament this season, but everything has come together for her at the Foro Italico, where she has gained valuable experience and confidence.
In her thrilling journey so far, Stearns has also knocked out Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka, both in intense third-set tiebreaks. Her victory over the World No. 6 Keys marked her biggest win based on opponent ranking, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Despite Svitolina’s impressive clay-court record this season, Stearns managed to outlast her in this latest match, showcasing her strong performance on the surface.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how Stearns will fare in the semifinals and whether she can continue her remarkable run. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on her journey at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and beyond!