AMBITIOUS COACHING MOVE HELPS PAOLINI BREAK 40-YEAR DROUGHT, BUMPS RIVAL OUT OF TOP-FOUR
- Christian Montegan
- May 18
- 2 min read
For the first time in four decades, an Italian has won a singles title in Rome after Jasmine Paolini produced a stunning display, but it also creates potential mayhem for the upcoming French Open.
Born in the province of Tuscany, the 29-year-old was spurred on by a raucous home crowd as she swept former US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-4 6-2 in exactly 90 minutes.
"I was trying to focus on the match and trying to repeat to myself, 'no matter what, you have to stay there every ball.' At the beginning, I was feeling great. It was the best match I played here," Paolini told Tennis Channel.
"I knew that with Coco, I have to raise the level a bit from the last matches. She's coming from another final."
At the end of March, despite reaching two Grand Slam finals in 2024, Paolini announced her split with last year's WTA Coach of the Year, Renzo Furlan — an indication of her willingness to strive for major trophies.
"After 10 amazing years together, I want to say a huge thank you to Renzo Furlan for everything he's done for me," Paolini wrote on Instagram, as she went on to acknowledge an "incredible journey" which included a WTA 1000 title in Dubai.
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Her new coach, Marc López, has guided the powerful-hitting Italian to her third career WTA title, and first on clay.
Paolini will return to her career-high ranking of No.4 on Monday, meaning four-time French Open champion Iga Świątek drops to No.5.
Świątek can now potentially face any of the world's top-four in the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros.
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