Jasmine Paolini made history on Saturday by becoming the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open, defeating world number three Coco Gauff of the United States 6-4, 6-2 in the final.
The victory marks Paolini’s biggest career title on clay and her second WTA 1000 title, following her triumph at the Dubai Championships last year.
The 29-year-old Tuscan’s win in Rome gives her a major confidence boost ahead of the French Open, where she was a finalist last year. The tournament begins on May 25.
Fueled by the energy of a passionate home crowd, Paolini became the first Italian woman to win the Rome title since Raffaella Reggi’s victory in 1985.
