PARIS — Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini has emerged as one of the most compelling stories heading into the 2024 French Open, with the 28-year-old naming four key rivals she believes could challenge her for Roland Garros glory—before humorously apologizing to the Pope for her bold ambitions.
Paolini, who has enjoyed a career-best season, enters the tournament fresh off her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and a strong clay-court campaign. Currently ranked No. 12 in the world, she acknowledged the depth of competition but expressed confidence in her own game. "I know I can compete with the best now," she told reporters at a pre-tournament press conference.
Paolini’s Four Key Rivals
When pressed on who she views as her biggest threats, Paolini didn’t hesitate, listing four players she believes could dominate at Roland Garros:
- Iga Świątek – The three-time French Open champion remains the undisputed queen of clay, with her relentless baseline game and mental toughness.
- Aryna Sabalenka – The Australian Open champion has translated her power game effectively to clay, reaching the Madrid Open final.
- Elena Rybakina – A consistent force in 2024, Rybakina’s serve and aggressive play make her a danger on any surface.
- Coco Gauff – The reigning US Open champion has shown steady improvement on clay and thrives under pressure.
Paolini admitted that Świątek, in particular, poses a unique challenge. "Iga is just so strong here. She moves like a dream on clay, and her forehand is lethal. But I’ve learned a lot from our past matches, and I’m ready if we meet again."
The Pope Apology Moment
In a lighthearted moment, Paolini jokingly apologized to Pope Francis after declaring her French Open ambitions. "I hope the Pope forgives me for saying this, but I really want to win this tournament," she laughed. "It’s a dream, and I’m not afraid to say it out loud!"
The comment, made in reference to her Catholic faith, quickly went viral, with fans praising her humility and humor. Paolini later clarified that she wasn’t being serious but wanted to stay grounded despite her rising profile. "Tennis is important, but faith and family keep me balanced," she added.
Paolini’s Clay-Court Evolution
Once considered more comfortable on hard courts, Paolini has transformed into a legitimate clay-court threat in 2024. Her improved movement and tactical adjustments have paid dividends, including a semifinal run in Stuttgart and a quarterfinal appearance in Rome.
Her coach, Renzo Furlan, credited her work ethic. "Jasmine has always had the talent, but now she believes she belongs at the top. That mental shift has been huge," he said.
The Road Ahead
Paolini’s draw at Roland Garros will be crucial. Avoiding Świątek until the later rounds could be key, but she insists she’s ready for any challenge. "I don’t want to overthink it. Every match is tough, so I’ll focus on my game and see how far I can go."
With her combination of speed, improved power, and newfound confidence, Paolini has the tools to make a deep run. Whether she can dethrone Świątek or fend off Sabalenka and Rybakina remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: she won’t back down.
As for the Pope’s forgiveness? "I think he’s got bigger things to worry about than my tennis dreams," Paolini joked, proving once again that her charm is as undeniable as her game.