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Plucky Paolini fights back as Martincova retires in Karlsruhe

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Paolini roared back, though, raising her level by taking the ball earlier and rattling off four straight games to take the first substantial lead of the match. But the World No.132 was unable to sustain her low-percentage strategy, conceding her break on a netted dropshot – and Martincova, aided by her best serving patch of the day, responded by taking five of the next six games to reach the brink of victory.

But Paolini managed to force a tiebreak, and conjured up one of the best shots of the match therein to swing it decisively in her direction. A phenomenal forehand winner down the line at full stretch brought up set points, and the 23-year-old quickly levelled the scoreboard after a backhand drive was too hot for Martincova to deal with at net.

Martincova’s final stand was the second game of the final set. Battling to get back on serve, the 24-year-old extended Paolini to eight deuces in a titanic tussle – but, demonstrating more swashbuckling bravery, consecutive drive volley winners from the Italian ultimately sealed it. Two double faults from Martincova paved the way to a double break before she was forced to retire; in the quarterfinals, Paolini will take on the winner of an all-German derby to be played later today between No.3 seed Tatjana Maria and Stephanie Wagner.

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