🇮🇹 Historic in Rome: Jasmine Paolini Stuns Coco Gauff to Win First Italian Open Title in 40 Years
Forza Paolini! Italy has a new tennis queen. In a magical night at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2025, Jasmine Paolini made history by becoming the first Italian woman in four decades to lift the Rome singles title, defeating world No. 3 Coco Gauff in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
Roared on by a passionate crowd at the Foro Italico — with even Italian President Sergio Mattarella in attendance — the 29-year-old Paolini played the match of her life. She dismantled Gauff in just 89 minutes, showing poise, power, and perfect court coverage. It marked her second win over Gauff this clay season, having also beaten the American in Stuttgart.
“It was the best match I played here,” said Paolini post-match. “I kept telling myself: ‘Stay focused, every ball matters.’ I knew I had to raise my level against Coco — she’s an incredible player.”
🧱 How the Final Unfolded
Gauff started strong by breaking early, but Paolini quickly found her rhythm and reeled off a series of aggressive rallies to take control of the first set. She was sharper at the net, smarter with her angles, and more solid under pressure. After securing the opener 6-4, she raced to a 3-0 lead in the second as Gauff’s unforced errors mounted.
The American, who committed 55 unforced errors, couldn’t find the consistency she displayed earlier in the tournament. Paolini, meanwhile, won 76% of her first serve points and maintained a steely composure to serve out the biggest win of her career.
🌍 What This Means for Roland Garros
With the win, Paolini jumps to world No. 4, overtaking Iga Swiatek, and dramatically reshapes the seeding landscape heading into Roland Garros 2025. Her surge means Swiatek could face Aryna Sabalenka as early as the quarterfinals — a major shift that sets the stage for a wild Paris draw.
🎉 What’s Next?
Jasmine Paolini now eyes a deep run in Paris — and her week in Rome isn’t over just yet. She’s set to team up with Sara Errani in the women’s doubles final on Sunday.
And the excitement in Italy continues, with Jannik Sinner ready to face Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final. Could Italy bring home both singles titles?
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