Paolini Wins Italian Open Final as Gauff Survives Epic Battle

(The Post News)– Jasmine Paolini delighted the home crowd at the Italian Open on Thursday, booking her spot in the final with a determined 7-5, 6-1 win over American Peyton Stearns. The sixth seed is now the first Italian woman to reach the final at Foro Italico since her doubles partner Sara Errani fell to Serena Williams in 2014.

Paolini joins an elite group, becoming just the third Italian woman ever to reach this stage in Rome. Reflecting on her journey, she shared that her growth as a player came later than most, but she’s learnt to embrace it, adding that she’s simply soaking in the moment rather than dwelling on her past.

Stearns came into the match riding high after toppling heavyweights like Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys, and the unseeded American started strong, snatching the first three games with confidence. Paolini, however, found her footing, sharpening her forehand and putting pressure on Stearns’ serve.

Frustration got the better of Stearns as Paolini broke to take the first set, prompting a visible outburst from the American during the changeover. By the second set, the Italian had all the momentum, sealing a crucial break in the third game and racing ahead to secure the win in emphatic fashion.

Paolini’s dream week in Rome may not be over yet; she’s also in the doubles semifinal alongside Errani, with a shot at reaching both finals.

Paolini now prepares for a fiery final against Gauff on Saturday, a sharp contrast to the subdued crowd that stuck it out past midnight for her dramatic win.

With the energy of a home crowd behind Paolini, the title match promises to be anything but quiet.