Jasmine Paolini has etched her name in tennis history by becoming the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open. On Saturday, she captivated the home crowd at the Foro Italico in Rome, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in a stunning display of skill and determination.
The 29-year-old’s victory marks a significant milestone for Italian tennis, with the last homegrown female champion being Raffaella Reggi in 1985. Paolini’s win ignited celebrations among fans who have been eagerly awaiting a local champion.
“It doesn’t seem real to me,” Paolini said amidst the jubilation. “I came here as a kid to see this tournament, but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn’t even in my dreams.”
The energy at the stadium was electric, with supporters chanting “Vai Jasmine” (“Go Jasmine”) and waving Italian flags. The presence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella underscored the national significance of the event.
Paolini’s triumph sets the stage for a potential historic double victory for Italy. On Sunday, Jannik Sinner will face Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final, and a win for Sinner would mark the first-ever Italian sweep of the singles titles at the Italian Open.
Adding to her remarkable run, Paolini and her partner Sara Errani have also reached the women’s doubles final, where they will compete against Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens. “It’s been two incredible weeks and it’s not finished yet,” Paolini remarked.
Her performance in Rome is expected to boost her world ranking, improving her seeding at upcoming tournaments, including the French Open at Roland-Garros.
Paolini’s victory is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. Her dedication and passion embody the spirit of tennis and highlight the exciting future of Italian tennis on the global stage.
