Home favourite Jasmine Paolini beats Coco Gauff to win Italian Open

Italy's Jasmine Paolini posing with the trophy after winning her final match against Coco Gauff of the US. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED May 18, 2025, 02:57 AM

Thanks for sharing!

ROME, Italy - Jasmine Paolini made Italian tennis history on May 17 by winning the Italian Open, convincingly beating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to claim her second 1000 series title ahead of Roland Garros later this month.

Late bloomer Paolini, who also won in Dubai in 2024, is the first Italian woman to win the Rome event since Raffaella Reggi in 1985 after overcoming former US Open champion Gauff in straight sets.

The 29-year-old delighted the packed centre court at the Foro Italico by winning the first of a potential three titles for local players at this year’s event in the Italian capital.

And after reaching two Grand Slam finals in 2024 Paolini, who will be world number four on May 19, will be gunning to go one better in Paris after a brilliant home tournament.

“It doesn’t seem real, it’s incredible to have the trophy in my hands, I’m so emotional,” said a beaming Paolini on court.