Did Jasmine Paolini Make History at the Italian International?
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Synopsis
In a spectacular showdown at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Jasmine Paolini emerged as a trailblazer by becoming the first Italian woman to win the title in 40 years. Her victory over Coco Gauff not only electrified the crowd but also secured her a prominent spot in tennis history. Can she complete the double in doubles too?
Key Takeaways
- Jasmine Paolini is the first Italian woman to win the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in 40 years.
- She defeated Coco Gauff in a decisive final match.
- This victory marks Paolini's second WTA 1000 title.
- Paolini aims to sweep both singles and doubles titles, a rare achievement.
- Her success is a significant moment for Italian tennis history.
Rome (Italy), May 17 (NationPress) Home crowd favourite Jasmine Paolini etched her name in history at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, marking the first time in forty years that an Italian has claimed victory in the women's singles category. On Saturday, Paolini captivated the enthusiastic audience in Rome as the No. 6 seed triumphed over No. 4 seed Coco Gauff from the United States with a score of 6-4, 6-2 at the Campo Centrale, clinching a momentous title.
Paolini's victory makes her the first woman to win her nation's premier tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, which was 40 years ago. While Reggi secured her title in Taranto, Paolini's achievement marks her as the first female to triumph at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome during the Open Era (since 1968). After overcoming a 4-1 deficit in the first set, she saved two set points to defeat Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1 in a match lasting 1 hour and 39 minutes.
In the final showdown featuring two Top-5 players, Paolini needed just 1 hour and 29 minutes to overcome Gauff, securing her second career WTA 1000 title, following her earlier win in Dubai in 2024. This victory also represents her third overall WTA singles title, and notably her first on clay.
Though Gauff took the lead in their initial encounters on hard courts, Paolini has now asserted dominance on clay, having defeated Gauff in Stuttgart last month on indoor clay and now again on the dirt in Rome, equalizing their overall head-to-head at 2-2.
With this win, Paolini is set to reclaim her career-high ranking of World No. 4 on Monday, positioning her well for a likely Top 4 seed at Roland Garros. Meanwhile, Gauff will rise back to her career-high ranking of No. 2.
Paolini's journey is not over yet; she aims for a double victory as she and Sara Errani attempt to defend their doubles title in the final on Sunday.
If successful, she will be the first player since Vera Zvonareva in 2009 to sweep both singles and doubles titles at a WTA 1000 event.
Point of View
I want to emphasize how Jasmine Paolini's victory is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for Italian tennis. Her achievement resonates not only with sports enthusiasts but also inspires a new generation of players. This historic win marks a pivotal moment in our national sports narrative, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in tennis.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Jasmine Paolini defeat in the final?
Jasmine Paolini defeated Coco Gauff in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
When was the last time an Italian woman won this tournament?
The last Italian woman to win the Internazionali BNL d'Italia was Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
What title did Paolini win previously?
Paolini's previous WTA 1000 title was won in Dubai in 2024.
What is Paolini's current ranking after this victory?
Following her victory, Paolini is projected to return to her career-high ranking of World No. 4.
Is Paolini competing in the doubles final?
Yes, Paolini and Sara Errani are set to defend their doubles title in the final.
