Third career singles title for the Italian.
Soon to be crowned No. 4 in the world, Jasmine Paolini proved that home is where the heart is on Saturday. The 29-year-old Italian defeated Coco Gauff 6-4 6-2 to win her first Internazionali BNL d’Italia trophy at the Foro Italico. Paolini produced a scintillating performance in front of her home fans, and equalled her head to head against the American in the process.
The win means that Paolini continues to be undefeated against Gauff on clay courts. After making the Stuttgart Open semifinal last month, the 2024 Roland Garros runner-up was eliminated prematurely in the Mutua Madrid Open. On the other hand, Coco Gauff is still searching for her maiden trophy in 2025. She will enter Roland Garros as the World No. 2, courtesy of a great week at the Italian capital.
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Walking onto Campo Centrale with a determined look, Paolini raced ahead for a 4-2 lead in the opening set. It was an error-prone outing for the 21-year-old American, who managed a mere 51% first serve percentage in the opening set. She served four double faults and failed to find any range on her groundstrokes. Paolini’s depth from the back of the court left her unsettled, and the Italian took the set 6-4.
Despite some hopes of a comeback in Set-2, Gauff was immediately on the back foot. Her struggles on first serve resumed, with just over 44% first serves in. The No. 6 seed engaged in cross-court duels, and targeted Gauff’s forehand to win multiple free points. Adopting a more attacking approach on the 2023 US Open champion’s second serve, she succeeded with an 80% second serve return point conversion rate.
With Gauf hanging on by a thread, she managed a narrow hold for 2-5. However, Paolini completed the formalities with a straightforward service hold in the eighth game of the set. A 6-4 6-2 drubbing was confirmed with an inch-perfect down the line serve and a loud outburst from the sold out Centre Court crowd.
Despite a disappointing performance, Coco Gauff showed her class in the trophy ceremony. The prodigious talent recognised that Paolini will be playing another final on Sunday, and wished her for the same. “Congrats Jasmine on this incredible achievement,” she said. “You’re an incredible person and player. It’s always tough playing you. Good luck in the doubles final. I hope you guys can take it home.”
Meanwhile, Paolini reciprocated the emotions. “Congrats for the amazing week Coco, and for last week also. You reached the finals so you’re playing great. Keep it going to you and your team. You are such a great player and a great person.” This is Paolini’s maiden clay court 1000-level title, ensuring a Top-4 seeding at Roland Garros.
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