Jasmine Paolini reacts after defeating Veronika Kudermetova in the Cincinnati Open women’s singles semifinals, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Oh. Paolini won 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.

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Who Is Coaching Jasmine Paolini at the WTA Cincinnati Open 2025 Final?

Paolini’s new coaching setup adds intrigue ahead of her Cincinnati Open 2025 final clash with Iga Swiatek.

The stage is set in Cincinnati as Jasmine Paolini gears up to face Iga Swiatek in the 2025 WTA 1000 final. The Italian has fought through back-to-back three-setters to book her place, while Swiatek has marched through the draw without dropping a set. Yet, beyond the tennis, intrigue surrounds Paolini’s corner, with a new face guiding her at one of the biggest moments of her career.

Final in Cincinnati!!! Forza!! 🇮🇹💪🏽

It was a tough match, but I found a way through. Huge thanks to everyone supporting me, both in the arena and from home, it always means so much @wta @cincytennis pic.twitter.com/lx19j647Ue
— Jasmine Paolini (@JasminePaolini) August 18, 2025

Jasmine Paolini Coach for WTA Cincinnati Open 2025 Final

Following her split with Marc Lopez after the grass season, Paolini has turned to fellow Italian Federico Gaio for support in Cincinnati. Gaio, 33, remains an active ATP player but has stepped in to guide Paolini through the summer swing, including the upcoming US Open.

“My knee is feeling better, it has been a problem for a while, but now it seems to be improving. Hopefully there won’t be setbacks,” Paolini explained during Media Day. “Regarding the team, I am here with Federico Gaio, who will also assist me in Cincinnati and the US Open. Obviously, I am still looking around, trying to organize myself with my team as best as possible, we will see what the future holds.”

🤝 PAOLINI SI AFFIDA A GAIO
Nella conferenza stampa di Montreal Jasmine Paolini ha annunciato che si affiderà a Federico Gaio per i tornei nordamericani sul cemento, quindi fino agli #USOpen.

🎙️ "Sono qui con Federico Gaio che mi darà una mano anche a Cincinnati e agli US… pic.twitter.com/m8IqKRAfBG
— Ubitennis (@Ubitennis) July 28, 2025

So far, their partnership has coincided with Paolini’s gritty wins in Cincinnati, including a comeback over defending champion Coco Gauff and a hard-fought victory against Veronika Kudermetova. For a player still searching for consistency at the very top level, Gaio’s influence could prove a timely boost.

What’s at Stake for Paolini in the Cincinnati Final?

The final presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Paolini has reached her third WTA 1000 final, but she faces a daunting opponent in Swiatek, who leads their head-to-head 5-0. The Pole swept their 2024 Roland Garros final meeting 6-2, 6-1 and claimed their latest clash in Bad Homburg with similar authority.

Paolini is fully aware of the mountain she must climb. “It’s been really tough against her. She’s an amazing player. It’s always tough to play her. She defends really well, serves well. But I’ll try to do my best. I’m in the final, I like the conditions here. Let’s fight,” she said.

Cincinnati final unlocked 🔓@JasminePaolini reaches her third WTA 1000 final, defeating Kudermetova 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/7SunSay0zg
— wta (@WTA) August 17, 2025

For Paolini, victory would be the crowning moment of a breakthrough season. With Gaio in her box and renewed confidence, she now stands on the edge of the biggest win of her career.

Image Credits: Imagn Images

Cincinnati Open 2025

Iga Swiatek

Jasmine Paolini

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.