Jasmine Paolini delivered a masterclass in tactical awareness and mental resilience to book her place in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Despite falling 0-3 behind in the opening set against American Peyton Stearns, the Italian stayed composed, weathered the early storm, and capitalised on her opponent’s unforced errors to turn the match around. Final score: 7-5, 6-1.
Paolini’s greater experience proved crucial. She managed her return games with intelligence and punished Stearns’ dips in focus. The American, while powerful from the baseline, struggled with consistency at this level, tallying 30 unforced errors — a stat that ultimately tipped the scales in Paolini’s favour.
With this win, Paolini becomes the first Italian woman to reach multiple WTA 1000 finals since the format’s rebranding, a milestone moment in her career. She now awaits the winner of the semifinal between Coco Gauff and Zheng Qinwen for what promises to be a thrilling final in Rome.
Masters 1000: breakthrough for Mensik, dominance from Sabalenka
31 Mar - 09:55 •
1' min
