The WTA Rome Open final took an unexpected turn as hometown favorite Jasmine Paolini pulled off a commanding victory over top-seeded Coco Gauff in straight sets. With this win, Paolini etched her name into the history books, ending a decades-long drought for Italian champions at the event.
By clinching the Rome Open title, Paolini ended a 40-year wait for an Italian woman to win the singles championship at the Italian Open, the last being Raffaella Reggi in 1985. She now joins an elite group of just four Italian winners since the tournament’s inception in 1930.
Following her triumph, Paolini reflected on the match and the significance of her achievement. “I was trying to focus on the match and repeat to myself, ‘no matter what, you have to stay there every ball,’” Paolini told Tennis Channel. “At the beginning, I was feeling great. It was the best match I played here. I knew that with Coco, I had to raise the level a bit from the last matches. She’s coming from another final”.
Paolini added, “It’s pure joy to have this trophy in my hands here in Rome at home. I came here as a kid to see this tournament, but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn’t even in my dreams. I’m really happy and grateful”.
Paolini’s victory elevates her to World No. 4 in the WTA rankings, a boost as she heads into Roland Garros. Gauff, meanwhile, will rise to World No. 2, while Iga Swiatek slips to fifth after failing to defend her title in Rome.
Gauff praises Paolini
After the match, Gauff offered high praise for Paolini’s performance and wished her luck in the Rome Open doubles final, where Paolini will team up with Sara Errani against Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova.
“Congratulations to Jasmine on your incredible win,” Gauff said. “You’re such a great player and person, and it’s always tough playing against you. Good luck tomorrow. I hope you win doubles, too”.
Gauff reflects on her loss
Soon-to-be World No. 2 Gauff acknowledged areas she could have improved but commended Paolini for her exceptional performance. “Maybe I could have served better and put more balls in the court,” Gauff admitted. “I definitely could and can. But she played to win today, and she deserved to win. … With the double-faults, it’s something I know I have to improve”.