Tennis news: Jasmine Paolini’s Italian Open win improves French Open hopes
Jasmine Paolini became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years when she beat American star Coco Gauff - with the victory improving her position for the French Open.
Paolini secured her win at the Foro Italico in Rome, cheered on by Italian president Sergio Mattarella as she defeated Gauff 6-4, 6-2, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shameeka Voyiya.
Supportive crowd
The 29-year-old was the first Italian woman to win the Open since Raffaella Reggi in 1985 in Taranto.
"It doesn't seem real. It's incredible to have the trophy in my hands. I'm so emotional," Paolini said, according to the BBC.
"I came here as a kid to watch this tournament so to lift the trophy is beyond what I ever dreamed of."
The moment of victory came when Paolini hit a massive serve down the T on her second championship point and Gauff couldn’t get it back. Paolini celebrated with a big smile and raised her arms, spinning with joy.
"The crowd has been incredible," Paolini said, referring to the supportive cheers from the audience throughout the tense match.
Numerous fans waved Italian flags, shouting "Vai Jasmine" ("Go Jasmine").
Her win moved her up a spot to No. 4 in the rankings on Monday, improving her position in the draw for the 2025 French Open, which runs from May 25-June 8.
Doubles championship win
Paolini and Sara Errani were set to take on Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens in Sunday's women's doubles final, securing a 6-4, 7-5 win to defend their Rome title.
Paolini now joins the list of women who have taken both singles and doubles titles at the Italian Open in the past 50 years, who include Billie Jean King, Virginia Wade, Chris Evert (twice), Raffaella Reggia and Monica Seles.
Commenting on her victories, she said, "It's amazing. It's been two amazing weeks, incredible. I don't know what to say. It's just perfect, you know?"
The Italian duo also won gold in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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