Svitolina produced a superb fightback to upset last year’s finalist Paolini, saving three match points before winning the second set and taking control in the third.
Italian Paolini had a breakthrough year in 2024, reaching the French Open and Wimbledon finals and was regarded a title contender in Paris.
The 29-year-old came into the tournament in good form after winning the Italian Open last month, and started well, taking the opening three games.
After the pair traded breaks, Paolini pummelled a forehand winner past Svitolina for the decisive one to take the first set 6-4.
As both struggled to hold in the second set, the Italian served at 5-3, but Svitolina saved two match points and forced a tie-break.
The 30-year-old held off another match point in the tie-break before winning the set and taking that momentum into the deciding third set.
Svitolina dominated with her forehand, hitting 10 winners to Paolini’s four, before a backhand down the line secured her place in the last eight for a fifth time at Roland Garros.
“I still cannot believe this match finished my way. I still feel my head is in the match and in a big battle,” she said.
“It was a really difficult match, Jasmine was playing really well. It was tough for me but I’m happy I stayed composed, fought until the very last point and here I am in the next round.”
