Jasmine Paolini Wins Italian Open, Makes History in Rome

Jasmine Paolini wins the Italian Open, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 and making history as the first Italian woman to win the Rome title since 1985.

Jasmine Paolini made history in Italian tennis by claiming her second WTA 1000 title, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open final. This victory sets her up for a strong run at Roland Garros later this month.

Paolini became the first Italian woman to win the Rome tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, overcoming a formidable opponent in former US Open champion Gauff. Her previous win in Dubai last year showcased her growing prowess on the global stage.

Queen of Rome 👑🇮🇹@JasminePaolini captures the Rome title with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Gauff!#IBI25 pic.twitter.com/MQ9Ap3edwp

— wta (@WTA) May 17, 2025

The 29-year-old Paolini thrilled the crowd at the Foro Italico, winning the first of potentially three titles for local players this year. With two Grand Slam finals under her belt from last year, Paolini will rise to world number four and aims to excel further in Paris.

“Every time I go out onto the court I try to do so with joy, with passion and with a certain amount of calm,” Paolini said in a press conference, her confidence boosted after a brilliant home tournament ahead of Roland Garros.

Historic Feat

Paolini's win brought to mind Monica Seles, who last achieved the singles and doubles double in Rome in 1990. Vera Zvonareva also accomplished this feat at Indian Wells in 2009. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner will aim to complete an Italian sweep in Rome by winning the men's singles title against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.

Paolini is the oldest woman to win her first Rome title during the Open Era, while Gauff, eight years Paolini's junior, missed out on becoming the youngest American to take the crown since Serena Williams back in 2002.

“It's important for me to go our there and try to have fun, not take things lightly as such but at the same time not have too much in the way of expectations.

“I do what I love for my job and that makes me hugely lucky.”

Paolini celebrated her win with a joyful dance on court, while fans in the stands were visibly emotional, with some openly crying. The week has been a dream for Paolini, and it could get even better if she wins both the singles and women's doubles titles.

Paolini's doubles partner, Sara Errani, was in attendance on Saturday and the pair will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens in the doubles final on Sunday. As the favorites, Paolini and Errani aim to retain their Rome title after their historic Olympic gold win in Paris last year.

Similarly to her battling semi-final win over Zheng Qinwen, Gauff made 55 unforced errors to go with seven double faults on serve, making Paolini's life unnecessarily easy.

Coco Gauff was visibly frustrated with her performance, which began with a double fault and was plagued by sloppy shots throughout. This followed her recent loss in the Madrid final earlier this month.

”Hopefully I can get to the final in Roland Garros and maybe the 'third time lucky' thing is a real thing,” Gauff said, expressing her hopes for a better outcome at the upcoming tournament.

Paolini’s moment in the Eternal City 🏛️@JasminePaolini is your #IBI25 CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/47ftLUOTtS

— wta (@WTA) May 17, 2025

“I made the final with those errors. Made the final maybe not playing my best tennis. It just gives me confidence if I can find that good form heading into Roland Garros, I can do well there.”