Italian Tennis Star Delivers Thrilling Victory Over Coco Gauff

Jasmine Paolini has made history by becoming the first Italian woman to win the Italian Open in 40 years, defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

The 29-year-old Paolini was roared on by a partisan crowd at the Foro Italico in Rome, including Italian president Sergio Mattarella, as she delivered a scintillating display to end her country’s long wait for a home winner.

Paolini’s nerves eventually settled in the opening set, allowing her to take a 3-1 lead and close out the set in emphatic fashion. She then dominated the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead with two early breaks before Gauff claimed a break back.

However, Paolini’s momentum was too great to be reversed, and she sealed victory with a powerful serve down the middle at 40-30.

Paolini’s victory is a significant milestone in her career, and it comes at a crucial time as she will move up a place to fourth in the world rankings on Monday.

This will also earn her a top-four seeding for the French Open, which begins next weekend. Paolini will now turn her attention to the women’s doubles final alongside her compatriot Sara Errani, where they will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens on Sunday.

The Italian Open has a rich history of producing memorable moments, and Paolini’s victory will be remembered for years to come.

Her compatriot Jannik Sinner will also be in action on Sunday, as he contests the men’s singles final against rival Carlos Alcaraz.