Jasmine Paolini made history at the Italian Open by becoming the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the tournament’s singles title, delivering a commanding performance to defeat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 at the Foro Italico in Rome. The 29-year-old Paolini, who had a breakthrough season last year with finals appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon, thrilled the home crowd with her composed and aggressive play.
The last Italian to win the women’s singles crown in Rome was Raffaella Reggi back in 1985, making Paolini’s triumph a momentous achievement for Italian tennis. Throughout the match, Paolini exhibited poise and precision, particularly in the second set where a series of unforced errors from Gauff helped the home favourite pull away comfortably.
Paolini’s journey to the title was a testament to her steady improvement and growing confidence on clay. Her performance not only captivated the fans in attendance but also sparked celebrations throughout Italy, where tennis enthusiasts have eagerly awaited such a breakthrough on home soil. After clinching the victory, Paolini expressed her disbelief and joy, recalling how she had once come to Rome as a young spectator, never imagining that she would one day lift the trophy herself. “It doesn’t seem real to me,” she said, overwhelmed by the moment.
The crowd’s support was palpable, with chants of “Ole, ole, ole, Jas-mine, Jas-mine” echoing through the stadium. Paolini responded with a heartfelt gesture, forming a heart shape with her hands, a symbol of her gratitude towards the fans who had backed her every step of the way.
Beyond the singles title, Paolini also remains in contention in the women’s doubles final, alongside fellow Italian Sara Errani. The duo will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens, aiming to add another trophy to their successful tournament run. For Paolini, the Italian Open has been an unforgettable two-week journey, and she remains focused on finishing on a high note in doubles as well.
With her victory, Paolini will climb the world rankings, overtaking Iga Swiatek to become the new world No. 4. This rise not only reflects her consistent performances but also secures her a top-four seeding at the upcoming French Open, which begins next Sunday. The seeding will be crucial as it can provide a more favourable path in one of tennis’s most prestigious Grand Slam events.
On the other side of the net, Coco Gauff showed glimpses of her returning form on European clay courts after some challenging months. Despite the loss, the young American has already made significant strides this season, reaching finals in two major tournaments. This defeat marks a second runner-up finish in recent weeks, following a loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open.
The Italian Open final highlighted not only the resurgence of Paolini but also the intense competition on the women’s tour, where young stars and established players continually push each other to new heights. It was a match that blended experience with youthful energy, with Paolini’s tactical play ultimately proving decisive.
Meanwhile, across the continent in Paris, British No. 1 Katie Boulter celebrated a milestone by reaching her first-ever clay-court final at the Trophee Clarins. Competing on the WTA 125 circuit, a tier below the main tour, Boulter’s perseverance paid off as she defeated France’s Varvara Gracheva 6-0, 3-6, 6-3. She is set to face another French player, Chloé Paquet, in the final, signaling a promising development in her career on clay surfaces.
Paolini’s victory at the Italian Open not only marks a personal triumph but also signifies a resurgence of Italian tennis on the global stage. With the men’s tournament still underway, Italian hopes remain high that Jannik Sinner might follow up with a home victory against Carlos Alcaraz, potentially delivering a memorable home double. For now, however, it is Paolini who has captured the spotlight, inspiring tennis fans across Italy with her historic win and the promise of even greater achievements to come.
