Tennis Wimbledon Wimbledon Women's Singles -

Jasmine Paolini makes Roger Federer confession after winning in front of 'idol' against Alexandra Eala at Wimbledon - 'Don't think about him'

React to this story

Jasmine Paolini had a beaming smile on her face as she basked in an impressive fourth-round victory over rising star Alexandra Eala at Wimbledon on Monday, and she marked the occasion by celebrating having her "idol" Roger Federer in attendance.

Highlights: Fery fairytale continues with stunning win over Dimitrov

Video credit: SNTV

Paolini, the 13th seed, has endured a tough start to the 2026 season but she is beginning to really find her groove at the All England Club as she defeated the dangerous Eala 6-4 4-6 6-3 in two hours and 22 minutes.

Paolini looked very much at home on Centre Court, with the 30-year-old having finished as runner-up in 2024 at the iconic grass-court venue, and she gave a wonderful post-match interview after securing her place in the quarter-finals.

Asked about finding her best form in front of the fans at SW19, the Italian was full of praise for the support she received but also took the moment to pay tribute to 20-time Grand Slam singles champion Federer, who was watching in the Royal Box.

Wimbledon

Who is Arthur Fery? Britain’s young star who is last home hope at Wimbledon

an hour ago

"Stepping on this court is something special and I was looking forward to it," she said. "Thank you, because, here there is an amazing atmosphere. It is something else, playing tennis here.

"I feel so lucky to have this opportunity, and to get the win as well. I want to thank you, Roger, because you are my idol. It was tough. During the match I kept thinking, 'Please concentrate. Don't think about him being here.'

"I was watching all the finals of all the tournaments he played here, so it's an amazing feeling. Thank you to everyone - you make the tournament so special. It is an amazing feeling to be here now with the win."

It has been a tough road back to form for Paolini, who has had a difficult start to the campaign, but she is beginning to feel as though she can return to her best performances at Wimbledon.

"I came here without having played many matches," she said. "This can only get better but point-by-point and game-by-game, I am feeling better.

"Grass is a great surface: sometimes you love it and sometimes you hate it. But when you play well and you feel good, I think it is the best surface.

Highlights: Eala arrives, Rybakina shocked and Dimitrov wins thriller

Video credit: SNTV

"It has been really tough and it has been a rollercoaster. 2026 broke me a lot and there were tough moments but we kept working with my team supporting me every day and match-by-match I am feeling better.

"The most important thing is for me to enjoy my tennis and be positive. I have to enjoy it, and I think that is my superpower."

Next up for Paolini will be an intriguing quarter-final clash with Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, who is the 12th seed.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Enjoy daily highlights from Wimbledon 2026 on tntsports.co.uk and the TNT Sports app, plus watch and stream highlights each evening and the men's and women's singles finals live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Wimbledon