Jasmine Paolini has made history by becoming the first Italian woman to win the Italian Open in 40 years, triumphing over American world number three Coco Gauff with a score of 6-4, 6-2 in the final. This victory marks Paolini’s biggest title on clay and her second WTA 1000 crown, following her success at the Dubai Championships last year.
The win comes as a significant boost for Paolini as she prepares for the upcoming French Open, where she was the runner-up the previous year. The tournament, set to start on May 25, provides an opportunity for Paolini to build on her recent success. With the home crowd passionately supporting her, she became the first Italian player to secure the women’s title at the Italian Open since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
In a commendable display of sportsmanship, Paolini congratulated Gauff for her performance throughout the week, acknowledging Gauff as a great player and person. Despite Gauff’s past success against Paolini, the American struggled this time, accumulating 55 unforced errors while Paolini impressively won 76% of her first serves.
Gauff, who had recently reached the Madrid Open final but fell short against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, can take many positives from her performance in Rome, including her victories over notable players like former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu and China’s Zheng Qinwen.
Looking ahead, Paolini is not only set to compete in the French Open but is also participating in the women’s doubles final alongside her compatriot Sara Errani. The duo looks to secure another title after their gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics.
Paolini’s recent achievements showcase her growth in the sport and hint at a bright future as she continues to build her legacy in women’s tennis. Her joyful demeanor and determination resonate with fans, and she remains optimistic about her journey ahead.
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