At 28, Poli Ni is enjoying the pinnacle of her career, following a breakthrough into the Top 30 last year. This season, she solidified her standing with impressive performances, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and clinching her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, earning a Top 20 ranking.
Italian players, including Poli, excel on clay, and she has a strong foundation on the surface. In 2023, she reached the final of the WTA 250 in Palermo and won a doubles title at the WTA 1000 in Rome. At this year’s French Open, she defeated players like Australia’s Swiatek and American Gauff to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Poli faced off against Aussie player Saville in the opening match, winning 6-3, 6-4, and then defeated Barty in straight sets. In the third round, she triumphed over the returning former US Open champion Andreescu, securing a spot in the Round of 16 for the second time.
Her journey continued as she battled wildcard Avniyeva, coming back from a set down to set a new personal record. Poli will now face another YONEX player, Liubashenka, who is a title contender. The Russian has won their previous three encounters.
Reflecting on her success, Poli credits her hard work both on and off the court for building confidence. “I’m more confident now, knowing I can win against top players,” she said. Despite her compact stature (163 cm), her game is characterized by power and relentless determination, earning her the nickname “Italian Bullet” among Chinese fans.
Poli Ni also competes in doubles at Roland Garros, partnering with fellow Italian Elina Svitolina as the eleventh seed. They have advanced to the quarterfinals together. The tournament promises excitement as YONEX supports its contracted athletes in their pursuit of the clay-court crown.
(Written by Wang Fei)