Jasmine Paolini’s victory sets up a clash with Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, who booked her place in the final by beating Elena Rybakina in straight sets earlier in the day

After back-to-back semifinal losses over the last two years, Iga Swiatek broke through Aug. 17, beating Elena Rybakina for a spot in the finals.

Jasmine Paolini just pulled off another one of those matches that makes you wonder if she’s secretly part machine, part tennis wizard. The Italian powerhouse clawed her way past Veronika Kudermetova in a Cincinnati Open semi-final that had more ups and downs than a roller coaster designed by someone with serious commitment issues.