By Kwame Bediako
Jasmine Paolini, of Ghanaian descent, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Italian woman in four decades to win the prestigious Italian Open. The victory was secured on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Foro Italico in Rome, with Italian President Sergio Mattarella among the spectators.
Paolini defeated American Coco Gauff with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 score in just 89 minutes, cementing her status as a rising star on the European clay-court circuit.
During the match, Paolini displayed exceptional focus and resilience, overcoming intense pressure from Gauff, who had recently reached another final. “I was trying to focus on the match and trying to repeat to myself, ‘no matter what, you have to stay there every ball,’” Paolini said in an interview.
She emphasized her confidence early on, feeling her best performance at the tournament yet, and knew she had to elevate her game against a formidable opponent coming off a recent final appearance.
Beyond the victory’s immediate significance for Italian tennis, Paolini’s triumph has caused a notable shift in the world rankings. Her win propelled her to No. 4 in the WTA rankings, surpassing her previous position and knocking three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek down to No. 5.
This change opens the possibility of a dramatic quarterfinal clash between Swiatek and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the upcoming Roland Garros, adding extra anticipation to the French Open.
Throughout the match, Paolini demonstrated strategic brilliance from the baseline, working the court to find her forehand and cut angles that kept Gauff on the defensive.
After winning the first three games, Paolini regained control after Gauff briefly held her serve. Her impressive net play helped her reach three set points, which she converted with a sharp finish, exciting the home crowd and setting the tone for her victory.
Paolini’s triumph was celebrated passionately by the packed stadium, with fans singing as she secured her victory. Her win not only marks her as a national hero but also places her among Italy’s tennis legends, as she joins Raffaella Reggi as the only Italian singles champions in the tournament’s history.
