Jasmine Paolini Targets Historic Italian Open Title
Jasmine Paolini is just one win away from making history as the first Italian woman in 40 years to lift the Italian Open trophy.
The 29-year-old reached her first final in Rome after a determined fightback against American Peyton Stearns on Thursday, winning 7-5, 6-1. Paolini, who was trailing 4-1 in the first set and faced set points, turned the match around to the delight of the home crowd.
Her victory sets up a blockbuster final on Saturday against American star Coco Gauff. A win would make Paolini the first Italian woman to claim the title since Raffaella Reggi did so in 1985.
“It’s a dream to be here, a dream to play in Italy, and a dream to reach the final,” said an emotional Paolini. “You (the fans) gave me the energy I needed when I was struggling. We won this match together.”
Paolini, seeded sixth, also came from behind in her quarter-final clash, recovering from a set and 4-0 down to beat Russia’s Diana Shnaider.
The Tuscany-born player is enjoying the best form of her career, having reached the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon last season. Her run to the final in Rome marks a milestone, as she becomes the first Italian woman to reach the title match since her doubles partner, Sara Errani, lost to Serena Williams in 2014.
Saturday’s final will be a meeting of two former French Open finalists. Gauff, who finished runner-up at Roland Garros in 2022, earned her place in her first Rome final after a thrilling 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4) victory over Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng. The semi-final lasted more than three and a half hours.
It will be Gauff’s second straight WTA 1000 final, following her loss to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid earlier this month.
As Paolini aims to end a 40-year wait for a home champion in Rome, all eyes will be on the Italian as she steps onto the court, chasing a moment that could rewrite her nation’s tennis history.
