Jasmine Paolini is making waves in the top ten of the WTA Rankings, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s most promising talents. In a recent interview at the Wuhan Open, the 29-year-old Italian reflected on her remarkable ascent in women’s tennis, standing out not just for her skill but also for her engaging personality.
At 5’4″, Paolini is often dwarfed by her formidable opponents, yet her record speaks for itself. Last year, she reached both the French Open and Wimbledon finals, and this season has been equally impressive, highlighted by her triumphant victory at the WTA 1000 event in Rome, celebrated passionately by her home crowd.
Discussing her journey, Paolini emphasized the importance of trusting the process and continuously striving for improvement. Although she noted that this year has been less consistent than the previous one, she remains optimistic about her development.
Her recent success against world number one Iga Swiatek in Wuhan stands out as a memorable highlight, where she expressed her enjoyment and focus during the match. The success of Italian tennis as a whole also serves as a source of motivation for her. She credited the growth of tournaments in Italy and the support from the tennis federation for creating an environment where players can thrive and push each other to excel.
Paolini draws inspiration from fellow Italians like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, discussing how their successes have influenced her own game. She recognized the importance of Sinner’s impact on promoting Italian tennis both on and off the court, stating he serves as an exemplary role model for aspiring athletes.
Reflecting on her newfound fame, particularly following her Olympic gold medal and Wimbledon finals appearance, Paolini admitted to feeling a shift in recognition. The sense of popularity is surreal yet enjoyable, marking her journey into the limelight of professional sports.
While she ranks her victory in Rome as one of her standout moments, she considers it alongside her Olympic win and Wimbledon experience, highlighting her dedication to both singles and doubles competitions. Her engagement in doubles matches has contributed to her overall development as a player, keeping her competitive even when facing early exits in singles.
With the fire of ambition still burning bright, Paolini looks toward the future, revealing her commitment to improving her game while embracing her role in the growing narrative of Italian tennis.