ROME — Jasmine Paolini made history on Sunday, becoming the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open, defeating world No. 3 Coco Gauff in a stunning straight-sets victory. The 28-year-old, ranked No. 12 in the world, delivered a masterclass performance, overwhelming the American 6-3, 6-3 in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Foro Italico.
Paolini’s triumph ended a decades-long drought for Italian women at their home tournament, with the last home champion being Raffaella Reggi in 1985. The victory also marked Paolini’s second WTA 1000 title of the season, following her breakthrough win in Dubai earlier this year. "This is a dream come true," Paolini said in her post-match interview, fighting back tears. "To win here in Rome, in front of my people, is something I will never forget."
A Dominant Performance Against Gauff
Paolini’s victory was built on relentless aggression and precision. She broke Gauff’s serve five times, exploiting the 20-year-old’s struggles with consistency. Gauff, who had been in strong form leading up to the final, committed 23 unforced errors and struggled to handle Paolini’s deep groundstrokes and sharp angles.
Key factors in Paolini’s win included:
- Her ability to dictate play from the baseline, keeping Gauff on the defensive
- Exceptional movement, neutralizing Gauff’s power with quick footwork
- Clinical finishing on break points, converting 5 of 7 opportunities
Gauff, who had won their only previous meeting in straight sets, admitted she was outplayed. "Jasmine was just too good today," she said. "She didn’t give me any rhythm, and I couldn’t find my game."
The Road to the Title
Paolini’s path to the final was anything but easy. She battled past former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in a grueling three-setter in the third round, then overcame a tough challenge from No. 7 seed Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals. Her semifinal against No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka was a thriller, with Paolini saving match points before prevailing in a third-set tiebreak.
Turning Point: The Semifinal Against Sabalenka
The semifinal clash with Sabalenka was arguably the match of the tournament. Down 5-2 in the final set, Paolini staged an incredible comeback, saving two match points at 5-3 before forcing a tiebreak. "I just kept fighting," she said afterward. "I knew if I stayed in the moment, I could turn it around."
A Historic Moment for Italian Tennis
Paolini’s victory was celebrated across Italy, with fans flooding social media with congratulatory messages. Italian tennis legend Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 French Open champion, praised Paolini’s resilience. "She showed the heart of a champion," Schiavone said. "This win will inspire a new generation of Italian players."
The significance of the moment was not lost on Paolini, who draped herself in an Italian flag during the trophy ceremony. "I hope this is just the beginning," she said. "Italian tennis is strong, and we have so much more to achieve."
What’s Next for Paolini?
With her ranking set to rise to a career-high No. 7, Paolini now heads to Roland Garros as a serious contender. Her improved consistency and mental toughness make her a threat on clay, and she will be among the favorites alongside Iga Świątek and Sabalenka.
Looking ahead, Paolini remains grounded. "I’m just taking it one match at a time," she said. "This win gives me confidence, but every tournament is a new challenge."
Conclusion: A Triumph to Remember
Jasmine Paolini’s Italian Open victory was more than just a title—it was a historic moment for Italian tennis. Her fearless performance against Gauff and her dramatic semifinal win over Sabalenka showcased her growth as a player. As she prepares for the French Open, one thing is clear: Paolini is no longer an underdog but a legitimate force on the WTA Tour.
For Italian fans, the wait for a home champion is finally over. And for Paolini, this could be just the start of an even greater legacy. "I want to keep making my country proud," she said with a smile. "This is only the beginning."