ROME — Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini raised eyebrows during her recent match against world No. 1 Iga Świątek, voicing an X-rated complaint about the Pole’s dominance on clay. The incident occurred during their quarterfinal clash at the Italian Open, where Świątek secured a straight-sets victory (6-3, 6-4).
Paolini, currently ranked No. 12 in the world, was visibly frustrated by Świątek’s relentless baseline play and precision. Midway through the second set, the Italian turned to her coach and muttered, "She’s just too f***ing good on this surface." The remark, picked up by on-court microphones, quickly went viral on social media.
A Frustrating Encounter for Paolini
The match marked Paolini’s third career meeting with Świątek, all of which have ended in straight-set losses. Despite her recent rise in the rankings, the Italian struggled to find answers against the four-time Grand Slam champion. Świątek’s ability to dictate play with her heavy topspin forehand and exceptional movement left Paolini scrambling for solutions.
Paolini’s outburst wasn’t the only moment of frustration. She also:
- Broke her racket after losing a crucial service game
- Argued with the chair umpire over a line call
- Shook her head in disbelief after Świątek saved three break points
Świątek’s Clay-Court Dominance Continues
With this win, Świątek extended her unbeaten streak on clay to 14 matches in 2024. The 22-year-old has been nearly unstoppable on the surface, having already claimed titles in Stuttgart and Madrid this season. Her record on clay since 2020 stands at an astonishing 87-7, with three French Open titles in that span.
When asked about Paolini’s comment in her post-match press conference, Świątek laughed it off, saying, "I didn’t hear it, but if she said that, I’ll take it as a compliment. Clay is my favorite surface, and I always try to make it as tough as possible for my opponents."
Paolini’s Post-Match Reflection
After the match, Paolini clarified her remarks, telling reporters, "Look, Iga is just on another level. I was frustrated because I felt like I was playing well, but she was always one step ahead. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things slip out." She also praised Świątek’s consistency, calling her "the best clay-court player of this generation."
What’s Next for Both Players?
Świątek advanced to the semifinals, where she faced Coco Gauff in a rematch of the 2022 French Open final. Meanwhile, Paolini will shift her focus to Roland Garros, where she hopes to improve on her third-round appearance from last year. Despite the loss, her 2024 season has been a breakthrough, including her first WTA 1000 final in Dubai.
The incident highlights the mental toll Świątek imposes on opponents. As one analyst noted, "When players start cursing about how good you are, you know you’re in their head." Whether Paolini can use this experience to elevate her game remains to be seen, but for now, Świątek’s reign on clay shows no signs of slowing down.
Paolini’s candid moment also sparked debate among fans. Some criticized her language, while others sympathized with the challenge of facing Świątek. One fan tweeted, "If I had to play Iga on clay, I’d be dropping F-bombs too."
Conclusion
Jasmine Paolini’s unfiltered reaction underscores the immense pressure Świątek brings to every match. While the Italian’s frustration was evident, her honesty also reflects the respect opponents have for the world No. 1. As the clay season reaches its climax at Roland Garros, Świątek remains the player to beat—and if Paolini’s words are any indication, her rivals are running out of ways to describe her dominance.