Jasmine Paolini made history on Saturday by winning the Italian Open, beating Coco Gauff 6–4, 6–2 to become the first Italian woman to claim the Rome title since 1985.
The 29-year-old thrilled the home crowd at Foro Italico with a commanding performance, securing her second WTA 1000 title after winning in Dubai last year.
Paolini is also the oldest first-time winner of the Rome tournament in the Open Era.
Gauff, who made 55 unforced errors and served seven double faults, struggled throughout the match and was outclassed by the composed and consistent Paolini.
Despite the loss, the American will rise to world No. 2 ahead of Roland Garros.
Paolini’s dream week isn’t over yet, she will contest the women’s doubles final alongside Sara Errani, as the Italian pair aim to defend their crown on Sunday.
A potential Italian sweep remains possible, with Jannik Sinner set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final.
Paolini now has the chance to match Monica Seles’ 1990 feat of winning both singles and doubles titles in Rome, an achievement unmatched in a WTA 1000 event since Vera Zvonareva at Indian Wells in 2009.
