Italian Open: Paolini Overcomes Tough Start to Reach Final

Jasmine Paolini books her spot in the Italian Open final after beating Peyton Stearns. Read more about her journey to the final and what's next.

Jasmine Paolini thrilled the home crowd with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Peyton Stearns, securing her spot in the Italian Open final. This marks a historic moment for Paolini, who became the first Italian woman to reach the Rome singles final since Sara Errani in 2014, and the third Italian woman to achieve this feat overall.

Paolini's journey to the final wasn't straightforward. She faced a tough start, trailing 0-3 in the first set, but managed to regain control and win 4 consecutive games to take the set 7-5. In the second set, Paolini dominated, breaking Stearns' serve twice to secure a 6-1 victory. Her ability to turn the match around showcases her resilience and determination.

With this win, Paolini sets up a final match against either Coco Gauff or Zheng Qinwen. The Italian Open holds special significance for Paolini, as she aims to become the country's first female champion in Rome in 40 years, following Raffaella Reggi's 1985 title. This achievement would mark a new chapter for Italian tennis, which is currently experiencing a resurgence with talented players like Paolini, Jannik Sinner, and Lorenzo Musetti.

Jasmine Paolini reached the Italian Open final after beating Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1. She'll face either Coco Gauff or Zheng Qinwen, who defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka earlier. “It's a dream of mine to get to the final here. It was a difficult start, thank goodness you were all here to give me a boost,” Paolini said, expressing her gratitude to the home crowd.

JASMINE PAOLINI WON THIS SET

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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 15, 2025

Paolini admitted to a rocky start, saying, “I didn't have a great feeling at the beginning of the match, but I'm really happy about how I managed to turn it around.” Despite struggling initially, she turned the match around to secure a convincing win over Stearns.

Jasmine Paolini was expected to beat unseeded Peyton Stearns, but the American showed her strength early on. Stearns had impressed by knocking out top players like Naomi Osaka and fifth seed Madison Keys to reach her first WTA 1000 semi-final.

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— Jasmine Paolini (@JasminePaolini) May 15, 2025

Paolini struggled at the start, losing the first three games in a surprisingly timid display. She served weakly and mishit simple shots, looking off the pace. However, Paolini managed to turn the match around, ultimately winning 7-5, 6-1.

Paolini slowly regained control, putting pressure on Stearns with her serving and finding more power and accuracy on her forehand. As Paolini gained momentum, Stearns' frustration grew. After being broken to allow Paolini to serve for the set, Stearns lashed out, hitting her racket into her bag and giving herself a stern telling-off while sitting.

A break of serve in the second set's third game deflated Stearns, and Paolini sealed her fate two games later by converting her third break point. Paolini celebrated her break with a roar, delighting her supporters in the center court stands. She then comfortably closed out the match, winning 7-5, 6-1.

Paolini still has a chance to win both the singles and women's doubles tournaments. In the doubles semi-finals, she and partner Sara Errani will face Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider on Friday.