Miami has become a stage for Italian tennis to shine again. With Jannik Sinner sidelined and Lorenzo Musetti struggling to find rhythm, it was Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini who carried the tricolore with pride in Florida’s premier tennis event.
Berrettini, who hadn’t reached a Masters 1000 quarterfinal since 2021, showed flashes of his best self with a gritty win over world No.10 Alex De Minaur. Calm under pressure and sharp on both wings, the Roman saved six set points and played with the kind of freedom that once took him to a Wimbledon final. Next up: American Taylor Fritz, a player with thunderous groundstrokes who will test Berrettini’s endurance and creativity, particularly on the backhand side.
On the women’s side, Jasmine Paolini continues her impressive climb. With wins over Naomi Osaka and Magda Linette, the 29-year-old Italian has secured her spot in the semifinals—her best showing at a WTA 1000. It’s a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start to the season, marked by minor injuries and the burden of defending last year’s achievements. Now back inside the top 10, Paolini looks confident and aggressive, her trademark depth and timing returning at just the right moment. Awaiting her is top seed Aryna Sabalenka, a fierce and physically dominant opponent. But Paolini is mentally prepared and playing with the belief that she belongs at this level.
Masters 1000: breakthrough for Mensik, dominance from Sabalenka
31 Mar - 09:55 •
1' min
