As is usually the case for the 5’4″ Italian, her height became a topic of conversation after her upset over 6’0″ Rybakina. Even Paolini’s next opponent, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, will be five inches taller than her when they meet on Thursday.
The 28-year-old is used to facing opponents who dominate her, but “wishing” things were different doesn’t do much for Paolini, who has learned to improve “other aspects” of her game to compensate for her disadvantage in terms of size.
Q: Is that intimidating for someone who, with all due respect, is not as big as your opponent today and some of the new players? Or is it a bit like a secret weapon that you have?
JASMINE PAOLINI: Secret weapon? No (smiling).
I wish I was bigger, because I could serve better. But I think I accept the fact that I have to deal with my own body. I mean, I’m short. Okay, we try not to make it a problem, we try to do something different to improve other aspects…
I mean, I wish I was taller, but that’s okay, I’m not.
Q: Me too.
JASMINE PAOLINI: Yeah, I’m not. You have to make do with what you have, you know (smiling).
