Jasmine Paolini delivered a masterful performance, defeating Coco Gauff of the United States 6-4, 6-2 to claim the Italian Open women’s singles title on Saturday, becoming the first Italian woman to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
The 29-year-old, cheered on by a passionate Foro Italico crowd, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, secured the historic victory in just 1 hour and 29 minutes on the clay courts.
Paolini, a surprise finalist at last year’s French Open and Wimbledon, described the moment as surreal: “It doesn’t seem real. To hold the trophy is beyond what I ever dreamed of as a kid watching this tournament.” Her triumph marks only the fourth time an Italian woman has won the event since its inception in 1930.
The match began with both players struggling to hold serve in the first three games. Paolini found her rhythm to take a 3-1 lead in the opening set, closing it out with confidence. In the second set, she surged to a 3-0 advantage with two early breaks. Despite a brief fightback from Gauff, who saved one match point, Paolini sealed the win with a commanding serve at 40-30.
The victory propels Paolini to a career-high world No. 4 ranking on Monday, earning her a top-four seed at the upcoming French Open. She now aims to make history again on Sunday, partnering with Sara Errani in the women’s doubles final against Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens. The last woman to win both singles and doubles in Rome was Monica Seles in 1990.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Jannik Sinner will face Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final on Sunday, raising hopes of a double Italian triumph at the Foro Italico.