Jasmine Paolini has become a beacon of hope for Italian tennis fans. Her incredible performances at major tournaments have captured the world's attention. At the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, her determination and grit made her the first Italian woman in over a decade to reach the semi-finals.

Paolini’s Path to Glory

Facing immense pressure as a home favorite, Jasmine Paolini embraced the crowd’s support. During a tense quarterfinal match, she battled back from a set down and a 4-0 deficit in the second set against Diana Shnaider. The rain interrupted play, but Paolini returned even stronger, winning six consecutive games to turn the match around. She eventually secured a 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 6-2 victory, making history as the first Italian woman to reach Rome’s semi-finals since her doubles partner Sara Errani did in 2014. For more about her remarkable comeback, see this BBC Sport recap.

A Landmark Achievement for Italian Tennis

Jasmine Paolini’s victory is more than a personal triumph. It reflects the renewed strength of Italian tennis. The atmosphere in Rome was electric as she channeled the energy of her home crowd. Her win was especially meaningful, considering Raffaella Reggi was the last Italian to lift the trophy in 1985.

Paolini, 29, credits her ability to stay “point by point” and the support of her teammates for her success. She said, “The crowd helped me. I fought until the end. I’m really happy with the win.” Learn more about why her run in Rome is special in this detailed WTATennis.com analysis.

Next Steps: Semifinals and Beyond

Looking ahead, Jasmine Paolini is set to face American rising star Peyton Stearns in the semi-finals. Both athletes reached the final four after hard-fought three-set battles. Stearns’ path was historic as well, becoming the first WTA player to win three straight main-draw matches in third-set tiebreakers. Read a full breakdown of their routes to the semis on Deadspin.

Paolini’s journey doesn’t stop in Rome. She’s already made history as a Wimbledon finalist and a regular challenger at elite tournaments. With her current form and the passionate Italian support behind her, she could soon add more titles to her name.

Conclusion: The Rise of Jasmine Paolini

Jasmine Paolini’s achievements light the way for a new generation of Italian tennis stars. Her resilience, relentless work ethic, and ability to deliver when it matters most make her a standout on the global tennis stage. Keep following her progress as she aims for more glory at the highest level of the sport.