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Jasmine Paolini sends message of support to Clara Tauson after Wuhan Open retirement

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Clarke | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 6:39 AM ET

Jasmine Paolini has made it to another quarterfinal, this time in Wuhan, after Clara Tauson had to pull out of their match.

Just last week, Paolini’s run ended in the quarterfinals when Amanda Anisimova got the better of her in three sets.

Paolini is still in the hunt for a spot at the WTA Finals next month, and another deep run here would boost those chances.

She shared a message for her opponent after Tauson had to retire while trailing 3-1 in the third set.

Jasmine Paolini sends support to Clara Tauson after Wuhan Open victory

Tauson couldn’t finish the match, and while the reason wasn’t made clear, she was trailing 3-1 in the third set when she decided to retire.

It’s been a tough stretch for Tauson. She went out early at the China Open and managed only one win at the Korea Open before coming into this event.

Photo by Zhe Ji/Getty Images for Billie Jean King Cup

She did pick up two wins in Wuhan, but against Paolini, despite taking the first set, she couldn’t see it through.

Speaking after the match, Paolini said: “First of all, I’m so sorry for her. She was playing amazing tennis. I was struggling a lot. Hopefully, she recovers soon.

“What can I say? I was just thinking of staying there at every point. She was really hitting winners everywhere. It was tough today.”

WTA Finals picture: race to Riyadh taking shape

Tauson’s loss ends any remaining hope she had of reaching the event. Meanwhile, Paolini is very much in contention, especially with Mirra Andreeva, the player directly ahead of her, already knocked out of the Wuhan Open.

The WTA Finals field is starting to fill up. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff are all locked in. Jessica Pegula isn’t far behind either.

Paolini’s recent form suggests she has a real shot at qualifying, and if she does make it to Riyadh, she won’t be an easy opponent for anyone in the draw.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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