Jasmine Paolini continued her career-best winning streak with a comfortable victory over Yulia Starodubtseva to reach the French Open last 16 on Friday. 

Paolini, who has now won her last nine games in a row, claimed a 6-4 6-1 win in just one hour and nine minutes at Roland-Garros. 

The fourth seed made history by becoming the first Italian woman in four decades to win the Italian Open title earlier this month, and has continued her fine form since. 

Starodubtseva and Paolini traded breaks of serve across the first four games in the opening set, but it was last year's French Open finalist who gained the upper hand. 

With a total of 13 unforced errors in the first set, Starodubtseva lost her focus and, after only four games in the second set, had double-faulted three times. 

By that time, Paolini had taken complete control and rattled off the next four games, sealing her win when her opponent sank a backhand into the net.

"It was a good match after a few games. In the beginning I was not feeling really well. The conditions are different today from previous rounds," Paolini said afterwards. 

"It is so strange. I am feeling good, playing here, and I just enjoy being on this stage."

1 - Jasmine Paolini has become the first Italian player to reach back-to-back Fourth Rounds at Roland Garros in Women’s Singles since Sara Errani (four in a row between 2012 and 2015). Stride. #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @WTA pic.twitter.com/YPVJkyrqW4

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 30, 2025

Paolini's reward is a clash against 13th seed Elina Svitolina, who overcame American Bernarda Pera later on Friday with a battling display. 

Svitolina, who has never gone beyond the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros, emerged a 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) victor over Pera. 

Elena Rybakina also booked her place in the fourth round, beating Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 6-2 to set up a tie against defending champion Iga Swiatek. 

Data Debrief: Paolini's hotstreak continues 

Paolini has been in inspired form since her Italian Open success, and she made more history with her latest victory in the French capital. 

Indeed, she became the first Italian player to reach back-to-back fourth rounds at Roland-Garros in women's singles since Sara Errani (four in a row between 2012 and 2015). 

It has been a fine few years for Paolini, who registered her 23rd grand slam main-draw singles victory. Only Aryna Sabalenka (27) has won more over the last two years.