Jasmine Paolini makes history as first Italian woman in decade to reach Italian Open final

Paolini is aiming to become the first Italian women in 40 years to win the singles title at the Rome tournament

Jasmine Paolini makes history as first Italian woman in decade to reach Italian Open final
Jasmine Paolini makes history as first Italian woman in decade to reach Italian Open final

Jasmine Paolini reached the Italian Open final on Thursday, May 15.

World number five Paolini defeated American professional tennis star Peyton Stearns with a score of 7-5, 6-1.

In the first set, Paolini struggled and even faced losing the first set when she was down 3-5, with Stearns having a chance to win the set.

However, Stearns couldn't keep her serve and Paolini came back and eventually won the match.

Paolini credits crowd energy as she pursues historic Rome victory:

After winning the match, the 29-year-old told Sky Sports, "At the beginning, I was feeling so slow. I told myself I had to hit the ball harder because she was playing amazing, but I managed to stay in there somehow and I won the match and I'm really happy about it."

She went on to share, "In the first round I was nervous and in the second also, and maybe again today, but the crowd was unbelievable and they helped me a lot."

"It's beautiful to play here in Italy and they support us no matter what, so that is the most important thing," Paolini, who is aiming to become the first Italian women in 40 years to win the singles title at the Rome tournament added.

With this victory, she has now become the first Italian woman to reach the final in Rome since Sara Errani in 2014.

What's next for Paolini?

Paolini will now face either American world number three Coco Gauff or Zheng Qinwen from China in the final.

Read more : Sports
Ian McLauchlan, legendary Scotland rugby captain and Lions star, passes away at 83
Ian McLauchlan, legendary Scotland rugby captain and Lions star, passes away at 83
Ian McLauchlan played 43 matches for Scotland and was the captain 19 times
Jack Draper’s Queen’s title dream ends as Jiri Lehecka reaches historic final
Jack Draper’s Queen’s title dream ends as Jiri Lehecka reaches historic final
Lehecka became the first player from the Czech Republic to reach the Queen's final in 35 years after Ivan Ledl
Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising wish to have Messi’s skills revealed by Louis Saha
Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising wish to have Messi’s skills revealed by Louis Saha
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League while Messi plays for Inter Miami in MLS
Novak Djokovic reveals most talented player among Federer, Nadal, and himself
Novak Djokovic reveals most talented player among Federer, Nadal, and himself
Who is the most talented among Big Three, Nadal, Federer or Djokovic? Serbian reveals his verdict
Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined River Plate for FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined River Plate for FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Ronaldo wanted to join River Plate for the FIFA Club World Cup, claims coach Marcelo Gallardo
Aryna Sabalenka makes thrilling comeback, beats Rybakina at Berlin Open
Aryna Sabalenka makes thrilling comeback, beats Rybakina at Berlin Open
World No. 1 Sabalenka saves four match points to defeat Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals
Alexander Zverev overcomes sudden sickness to defeat Cobolli at Halle Open
Alexander Zverev overcomes sudden sickness to defeat Cobolli at Halle Open
Alexander Zverev will now face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals
Angel Reese turns insult into power with new ‘Mebounds’ brand to fight online bullying
Angel Reese turns insult into power with new ‘Mebounds’ brand to fight online bullying
The word 'Mebound' was first used to make fun of Angel Reese for grabbing rebounds
Lionel Messi speaks on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo: 'No friendship, just respect'
Lionel Messi speaks on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo: 'No friendship, just respect'
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 938 goals in his career, holding a significant lead over Messi who has 850 goals
Jannik Sinner surprises fans with new song alongside Italian singer Andrea Bocelli
Jannik Sinner surprises fans with new song alongside Italian singer Andrea Bocelli
Jannik Sinner and Bocelli have collaborated to release a new song called 'Polvere e Gloria' (Dust and Glory)
Lionel Messi earns praise after brilliant free-kick in Club World Cup
Lionel Messi earns praise after brilliant free-kick in Club World Cup
Messi scores match winning goal in Inter Miami triumph over FC Porto in FIFA Club World Cup
LeBron James makes bold proposal for NBA game length
LeBron James makes bold proposal for NBA game length
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James proposes new bold changes in the NBA games