Jasmine Paolini is making waves at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, standing out as the lone Italian player to reach the semifinals after overcoming Diana Schnaider with a scoreline of 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-2. This marks a significant achievement for Paolini, as it is her first semifinal appearance on home soil.
The excitement around Italian tennis has been palpable, fueled by enthusiastic fan support at the Foro Italico and the recent return of ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has garnered attention from high-profile figures including the new Pope Leo XIV. Paolini expressed her joy about the rising popularity of tennis in Italy and the sense of camaraderie among players.
“It’s crazy. It’s really crazy. I really enjoy it,” Paolini noted. She added, “Tennis is getting more popular in Italy. That’s really great for our sport, for us as athletes and tennis players… We are many players now. We really enjoy being in this era of Italian tennis. We are like a team. Everybody is pushing each other.”
As the Italian tennis scene continues to flourish, there is a hopeful outlook for Paolini and her compatriots as they aim to inspire the next generation of players. This vibrant atmosphere not only enhances their performances but also brings the sport to the forefront of national pride.