Jasmine Paolini etched her name into Italian tennis history on Saturday by defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to win the Italian Open, becoming the first homegrown woman to lift the title since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, MySportDab Reports.
The 29-year-old Tuscan delivered a commanding performance at the Foro Italico, overwhelming Gauff with her consistency and composure.
Paolini’s triumph marks her second WTA 1000 title, adding to her Dubai crown last year, and comes just ahead of Roland Garros, where she will enter as the new world No. 4.
“I try to go on court with joy and passion,” Paolini said after the match. “I do what I love, and that makes me very lucky.”
The Rome crowd erupted with emotion as Paolini celebrated her career-defining win, dancing with delight after a “dream week.” Her run isn’t over yet—she will compete in the doubles final on Sunday alongside fellow Italian Sara Errani. The duo, who won Italy’s first Olympic tennis gold last year, will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens.
Paolini is now the oldest woman to claim her first Rome title in the Open Era. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Gauff, who made 55 unforced errors and seven double faults, was visibly frustrated throughout the match.
The American has now lost two WTA 1000 finals this month but remains optimistic heading into Paris as the world No. 2.
“I made the final maybe not playing my best tennis. That gives me confidence,” said Gauff.
With Jannik Sinner set to face Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s men’s final, Italy could yet sweep all three titles in Rome—a feat that would cap a historic weekend for Italian tennis.
