'It doesn't seem real' - Paolini speechless after home win at Italian Open

Jasmine Paolini says she never imagined winning at home in the Italian Open final after a stunning win over Coco Gauff.

Paolini took advantage of the home support as she soared to a 6-4 6-2 win over the American in just under an hour and a half.

In doing so, she became only the second Italian woman to win in Rome in the Open Era, with her victory the first in 40 years since Raffaela Reggi's triumph.

Paolini also became the third player this century to win her maiden clay-court title in Rome, after Jelena Dokic (2001) and Serena Williams (2002).

This victory will see her move up the rankings to fourth on Monday, improving her position in the draw for the French Open, where she finished as a runner-up last year, which begins next weekend.

Veni, vidi, vici@JasminePaolini | #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/Ecnm2oqnsd
— wta (@WTA) May 17, 2025

"It doesn't seem real to me," Paolini said. "I came here as a kid to see this tournament, but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn't even in my dreams.

"It's pure joy to have this trophy in my hands here in Rome at home. Really happy about it and grateful, as well. I'm enjoying the moment. It's an amazing one.

"The crowd has been incredible. It's been two incredible weeks, and it's not finished yet."

Paolini will also be playing in the women’s doubles final on Sunday alongside Sara Errani, with Monica Seles the last woman to win both titles in Rome in the same year (1990).