Jasmine Paolini defeated Coco Gauff 6:4, 6:2 in the final of the WTA
After a phenomenally played match, Jasmine Paolini defeated Coco Gauff 6:4, 6:2 in the final of the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon 2024 finalist won the third title of her career, the second of this rank.
The American confirmed her excellent form from the last few days in the capital of Italy. On the Foro Italico courts, Coco Gauff lost two sets to the final – in the second round match against Victoria Mboko and in the semi-final clash with Qinwen Zheng. Along the way, the 21-year-old eliminated, among others, Magda Linette , although it was not an easy passage for her (7:5, 6:3 – editor’s note).
The hosts’ representative had a slightly easier path to the decisive clash. Jasmine Paolini gave her opponents only one set in total – in the quarterfinal match against Diana Sznaider, but it must be said that she faced slightly less dangerous tennis players than Gauff.
It was the fourth direct clash for both players. They met recently in 2025 – at the WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart. The Italian proved to be better than, winning 6-4, 6-3, achieving her first victory against the American.
To the delight of the audience gathered on the centre court, Paolini started the match better. Gauff’s game showed a lot of passivity in her shots from the back line, and in longer rallies, she often gave way to her older opponent. After initial breaks of serve from both sides, Paolini was the first to hold serve, taking a 3:1 lead with a break to spare.
In the following minutes, the 21-year-old’s game did not improve – she continued to make too many simple mistakes her. This was grist to the Italian’s mill, who, fueled by the support of her fans, held her serve until the end of the set, ultimately triumphing 6:4.
The Roland Garros 2024 finalist showed no signs of slowing down in intensity. Gauff, increasingly frustrated, made more and more mistakes, mainly with her backhand, which resulted in a double break and a 3-0 lead for the speeding Paolini.
The American did break her opponent in the next game, but it was of no use. The Italian, in full swing, continued her fantastic play from deep in the court, and Gauff seemed completely shattered and surprised by the situation on the court.
Paolini eventually won the second set 6-2, securing her third career title. It took 40 years for the Italians to have their winner in this prestigious tournament. In 1985, Raffaella Reggi did it for the last time.
Internazionali BNL d’Italia , Rome (Italy)
WTA 1000, clay court, prize pool 6.009 million euros
Saturday, May 17
Singles final:
Jasmine Paolini (Italy, 6) – Coco Gauff (USA, 4) 6:4, 6:2