Will Rome have two Italian singles champions?
Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini are making merry on home soil in 2025. By entering the finals of their respective singles competitions, the Italian stars have broken a 90-year record in Rome. Both Sinner and Paolini will step on court over the weekend – hoping to capture their maiden crown at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Despite facing stiff opposition from Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff respectively, home court advantage will play a huge role at the Foro Italico.
When Sinner’s temporary suspension was lifted on May 5, not many people expected him to be standing on the verge of a Masters title in his first tournament after returning. Yet, the World No. 1 has displayed a remarkable level of tennis this week. Beating the likes of Francisco Cerúndolo, Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul, the 23-year-old is competing like he never left.
Fans were treated to one of the moments of the tournament, when Sinner and Paolini gave each other a high five in the locker room a few days ago. Little did they know that both of them would be on the cusp of something unimaginable. 29-year-old Paolini amassed an incredible 84% first serves during a straight sets win over American breakout star Peyton Stearns in the semifinals. Although the Coco Gauff challenge is completely different, she has already scripted history.
It is set to be a busy weekend for Jasmine Paolini – after her women’s singles final on Saturday, the 2024 Roland Garros runner-up will return for a doubles final alongside Sara Errani on Sunday. The duo won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and will face Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova for the trophy. As a result, Italy has the opportunity of taking home the championship in three out of the four disciplines.
By virtue of entering the summit clash, Sinner and Paolini have made history. For the first time since 1935, both singles finals at the Rome Masters will feature a player from Italy. It has been 90 years since the local fans witnessed players from their country playing the final in men’s and women’s singles. The last two Italians to reach their respective finals in the same edition were Giovanni Palmieri and Lucia Valerio.
“He’s playing great, I’ve been watching his matches,” were the words of Carlos Alcaraz – Sinner’s opponent on Sunday. “His level is really high right now. Every time I play against him is always a battle.” Meanwhile, Gauff is also expecting a serious fight. “She [Paolini] is a tough opponent,” she said. “I think especially here with the home crowd behind her, she’s going to be playing great tennis. I have to expect that.”
Can Sinner and Paolini make it double the joy, double the celebration this weekend?
