Italian tennis fans are on the edge of their seats—and for good reason. Jasmine Paolini, the 28-year-old from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, is now one win away from making history at the 2025 Italian Open. After a commanding semifinal performance, Paolini has earned herself a dream final against American star Coco Gauff, and with it, a chance to become the first Italian woman to win the prestigious tournament in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
The journey has been nothing short of inspirational, and the matchup promises to be electric. Paolini’s rise, combined with Gauff’s relentless consistency and power, has set the stage for a final filled with national pride, emotion, and high-stakes drama.
Let’s break down how Paolini got here, what makes this final so monumental, and why this moment is about more than just tennis.
The Road to the Final: Jasmine Paolini’s Grit and Growth
Jasmine Paolini has always been a fighter, but this year, she’s taken her game to a whole new level. Coming into Rome ranked inside the WTA Top 20, Paolini has steadily built momentum on clay, a surface that suits her scrappy movement, creative shot-making, and relentless defense.
Her semifinal performance was a masterclass in strategy and emotion. Facing off against a powerful opponent in Elena Rybakina, Paolini stayed composed and crafty. She neutralized Rybakina’s heavy groundstrokes with impeccable footwork and smart angles, eventually sealing the victory in straight sets—6-4, 6-3—to the thunderous applause of her home crowd.
More importantly, she played fearless tennis when it mattered most. Break points? Converted. Long rallies? Controlled. Crowd pressure? Embraced.
“I felt the love of Rome behind me,” Paolini said post-match. “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl watching this tournament on TV. Now I’m here, and I’m ready.”
A Matchup with Coco Gauff: Speed, Strategy, and Star Power
On the other side of the net in Sunday’s final will be Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American phenom whose rise to the top of the women’s game has been fast and furious. Gauff punched her ticket to the final with a gritty three-set win over Mirra Andreeva, holding her nerve after squandering a lead and then breaking decisively late in the third set to close the door.
This will be the second time Paolini and Gauff meet on the WTA Tour—but never before has the stage been so grand. Gauff, known for her elite athleticism and heavy topspin forehand, brings a physical intensity few can match. But Paolini isn’t backing down.
“She’s an incredible player—so fast, so strong—but I’m not going to focus on that,” Paolini said. “I’ll focus on my game, my fight, and the energy I get from the fans.”
History Beckons: The Last Italian Woman Standing
Should Jasmine Paolini defeat Gauff on Sunday, she would become the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open title. For context, the last homegrown champion, Raffaella Reggi, won the tournament in Taranto in 1985—long before it became the elite Rome-based event it is today.
Since then, legends like Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani, and Flavia Pennetta have all come close—but none have sealed the deal on home soil in Rome.
This isn’t just a sporting story—it’s a cultural one. Italy has long celebrated its male champions, including the likes of Adriano Panatta, Fabio Fognini, and now Jannik Sinner. But a Roman triumph by Paolini would inspire a new generation of girls across the country to believe in their own tennis dreams.
Local headlines already reflect the buzz: “Paolini per la storia!” (“Paolini for the history!”)
Tactically Speaking: How Paolini Can Win
Beating Gauff won’t be easy—especially on clay, where the American has grown increasingly confident. However, Paolini has weapons of her own that could disrupt Gauff’s rhythm:
- Movement and court coverage: Paolini’s agility and anticipation give her an edge in long rallies, and she’s especially dangerous when chasing down drop shots and short balls.
- Variation and spin: Unlike power-heavy hitters, Paolini thrives by using slices, topspin, and changes of pace—an approach that could trouble Gauff, who prefers predictable pace to redirect.
- Crowd support: Let’s not underestimate the emotional lift Paolini will get from thousands of Italians roaring for her every point. Gauff will have to silence a passionate Roman crowd early if she wants to avoid being swept up in the Paolini tide.
Gauff’s Take: Respect, Not Intimidation
Coco Gauff, for her part, has been gracious and focused throughout the tournament. She knows the weight of what this final means for Paolini, but she’s chasing milestones of her own.
Gauff is hunting her first clay-court WTA 1000 title and looking to build momentum heading into Roland Garros, where she’s been a finalist before.
“I’ve seen how Jasmine plays, and I’ve seen how much the fans love her here,” Gauff said in her press conference. “I respect that. But I’m here to win, too.”
It’s a battle of wills, skillsets, and belief systems. Gauff represents the global superstar—with endorsements, expectations, and elite athleticism. Paolini represents the passionate underdog—playing with fire, heart, and a nation behind her.
What This Means for Italian Tennis
The significance of Paolini’s run goes beyond rankings or prize money. It’s symbolic. It marks a potential changing of the guard in Italian women’s tennis and sets the foundation for future growth in the sport at home.
With Jannik Sinner capturing hearts and trophies on the ATP side, Italy is quickly becoming a tennis powerhouse. If Paolini can win in Rome, it would balance the narrative and provide an iconic moment for Italian women’s sports.
Tennis clubs around the country have already reported a spike in interest since her win over Rybakina. Social media has been flooded with supportive hashtags like #ForzaPaolini and #RomaÈTua (“Rome is yours”).
Social Buzz: Italy Watches, the World Joins In
The semifinal victory alone sent shockwaves through social media. Italian celebrities, athletes, and former players tweeted their congratulations and support:
- “Che emozione, Jasmine! Tutta l’Italia è con te.” – “What an emotion, Jasmine! All of Italy is with you.”
- Tennis legend Francesca Schiavone wrote, “Go get that trophy. You deserve it!”
International fans are also tuning in—Gauff’s global appeal is undeniable, and the potential for a classic clay-court battle has intrigued tennis lovers worldwide. ESPN, Eurosport, and Tennis Channel have all promoted the final heavily, touting it as a “can’t-miss” match.
Final Preview: Fire vs. Ice, Grit vs. Glamour
When the two players step onto the red clay of Foro Italico on Sunday, it won’t just be a tennis match—it will be a moment. Jasmine Paolini will carry the weight of a nation, hoping to make history. Coco Gauff will carry the expectations of a global star chasing another major career title.
Whoever wins, this final is already unforgettable.
But if Jasmine Paolini does it—if she raises the trophy high under the Roman sun—she’ll not only enter the record books, but also the hearts of millions who dared to believe that an Italian woman could once again rule in Rome.
Don’t miss the final: Jasmine Paolini vs Coco Gauff – Sunday, May 18 at 5 PM CET.
