Paolini beats Gauff to lift title in Rome

Jasmine Paolini made history at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia by becoming the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the singles title. Paolini defeated Coco Gauff in the final to claim her second WTA 1000 singles title, and first WTA singles title on clay.

With Italian president Sergio Matarella watching on, No. 6 seed Paolini defeated No. 4 seed Coco Gauff of the United States 6-4, 6-2 in Saturday’s final on Campo Centrale.

Paolini is the first woman to prevail at her country’s biggest event since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, 40 years ago. Also, Reggi won the title when the event was held in Taranto, meaning Paolini is the first woman to win the Internazionali BNL d’Italia title in her national capital of Rome during the Open Era (since 1968).

“Congrats for the amazing week Coco and last week also. You reached finals so you’re playing great. Keep it going to you and to your team. You are such a great player and a great person.” Jasmine Paolini after beating Coco Gauff to win Rome.

Paolini is now projected to return to her career-high ranking of World No. 4 on Monday, just in time for a likely Top 4 placement in the Roland Garros seedings. Gauff, meanwhile, will still rise back to her career-high ranking of No. 2 on Monday.