Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria Prediction 6/22/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Jasmine Paolini faces Tatjana Maria in the first round of the 2026 Eastbourne Open. The match is scheduled for Monday, June 22. Paolini has not played since losing early at the French Open at the end of May, while Maria has featured nine times on grass ahead of this tournament. Here’s our Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria prediction. This preview will also include a Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria pick.

Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria Preview

Jasmine Paolini is the top seed at the WTA 250 event in Eastbourne. The Italian fell out of the world’s Top 10 in recent weeks, after surrendering her title in Rome and then losing in the second round of the French Open to Solana Sierra. That defeat in Paris was her 11th of an underwhelming season so far for Paolini, who has registered just 12 match wins and has no titles to show for her efforts.

Paolini is ranked 14th in the world rankings and could drop even further should she lose early in Eastbourne. One of the major reasons for her recent ranking fall is a persistent foot injury that derailed her preparations at the Italian Open and which led to an early defeat. She has not played competitive tennis in nearly a month and will step on grass courts for the first time this season at the Eastbourne Open.

Tatjana Maria is unseeded at the Eastbourne Open. The mother of two fell out of the Top 100 after relinquishing her title at Queen’s Club. The 38-year-old was not given a wild card to defend her title at the WTA 500 event in London and had to play two qualifying matches. Thankfully, she reached the main draw, but lost to Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16.

Last week, Maria competed at the WTA 250 event in Nottingham and she reached the quarterfinal stage with wins over Janice Tjen and Dayana Yastremska. Ultimately, she lost to eventual finalist Marie Bouzkova. Overall, Maria is 6-3 on grass courts this season. This will be her first main draw appearance at the Eastbourne Open.

Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria Head-To-Head

Paolini and Maria have met five times at all levels. Paolini leads the head-to-head 3-2, although they haven’t faced off since 2024 Indian Wells. Their only grass-court meeting was at the Ilkey ITF in 2017. Maria won in straight sets.

Jasmine Paolini vs Tatjana Maria Prediction

This is as awkward as it can get for Paolini, who gets to draw a serial grass-court performer. In ideal circumstances, Paolini’s counterpunching ability and powerful forehand would make her the favorite. But she hasn’t played since Roland Garros, and with question marks about her foot injury after pulling out of Berlin, I fancy Maria to win this. Maria’s unique style rarely gives opponents any rhythm and grass suits her game.

Nur Said's Pick: Maria in three sets