Historic Victory: Jasmine Paolini Shines at the Italian Open
ROME – The crowd at the Foro Italico had plenty to cheer about as Jasmine Paolini kicked off celebrations with a triumphant win, paving the way for Jannik Sinner to potentially follow suit. On Saturday, Paolini capitalized on the enthusiastic home support, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2, and making history as the first Italian to secure the Italian Open title in 40 years.
With top-seeded Jannik Sinner facing Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s men’s final, Italy stands on the brink of sweeping both Rome singles titles for the first time in decades. The last Italian woman to clinch the Italian Open was Raffaella Reggi in 1985, while Adriano Panatta was the most recent male victor, back in 1976.
When Paolini landed a powerful serve on her second championship point, which Gauff couldn’t return, her joyful celebration lit up the stadium. She beamed, twirling with her arms high in triumph.
“It feels surreal,” Paolini exclaimed. “I came here as a child to watch this tournament; winning it and lifting this trophy wasn’t even a dream.”
Before the trophy ceremony, the cheers of “Ole, ole, ole, Jas-mine, Jas-mine” filled the air, prompting Paolini to form her hands into a heart in gratitude.
“The crowd has been phenomenal,” Paolini remarked.
Paolini, teamed up with Sara Errani, is also geared up for the women’s doubles final against Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens on Sunday.
“These two weeks have been incredible, and it’s not over yet,” Paolini stated.
With tennis fever sweeping the nation, Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella graced the women’s final with his presence at Campo Centrale.
Fans waved Italian flags passionately, chanting “Vai Jasmine” (“Go Jasmine”).
Ranked fifth globally, Paolini was previously runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon, and played a pivotal role in Italy claiming the Billie Jean King Cup last year. Alongside Errani, she also won Olympic gold in doubles in Paris.
As a result of her achievements, Paolini will ascend to No. 4 in the global rankings on Monday, enhancing her seeding prospects for the upcoming French Open.
Despite her fruitful year, Paolini recently decided to switch coaches, opting for Marc Lopez over Renzo Furlan, with Errani frequently providing unofficial coaching support.
Meanwhile, Gauff, ranked third and the 2023 US Open champion, faltered with 55 unforced errors compared to Paolini’s 20, and served seven double faults while Paolini served none.
Gauff has now finished as runner-up twice in recent clay-court contests, following her loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open final a fortnight ago.
Her match against Paolini followed a grueling 3 1/2-hour victory over Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals, which ended late Friday night.
Previously, Paolini had outperformed Gauff on clay in Stuttgart, Germany, back in April.
The last woman to achieve a singles and doubles sweep in Rome in the same year was Monica Seles in 1990.”