**Jasmine Paolini Clinches Italian Open Title in Rome Against Coco Gauff**
Jasmine Paolini made history on May 17, 2025, defeating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open final to claim her second WTA 1000 title and become the first Italian woman in 40 years to win in Rome. The No. 6 seed, fueled by fervent home crowd support, delivered a dominant performance, outclassing the World No. 3 Gauff with precision and poise on the clay courts of the Foro Italico. This victory, reported by Barron’s and Newsday, marks the biggest singles title of Paolini’s career and solidifies her as a rising force ahead of Roland Garros.
Paolini’s path to the final included a semifinal win over Aryna Sabalenka, showcasing her ability to handle top-tier opponents. Against Gauff, she capitalized on the American’s unforced errors and struggled serve, breaking early in both sets. The WTA’s official X account celebrated Paolini’s triumph, noting her “Queen of Rome” status after she took the opening set 6-4 and sealed the match in 78 minutes. Fans on X, including @TheTennisLetter, praised her “incredible tennis” and composure, with the crowd’s energy visibly lifting her game.[](https://x.com/WTA/status/1923757440551583976)[](https://x.com/WTA/status/1923771697359999103)
Gauff, who reached her first Italian Open final by outlasting Zheng Qinwen in a three-set semifinal, couldn’t find her rhythm, hampered by 28 unforced errors and a foot injury that required treatment. Despite her resilience, highlighted by ESPN and Tennis Majors, Gauff was unable to counter Paolini’s relentless baseline play and tactical variety. This loss ends Gauff’s bid for a second WTA 1000 title, though her clay court form bodes well for the French Open.[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45167968/coco-gauff-reaches-italian-open-final-face-jasmine-paolini)[](https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/rome-internazionali-bnl-ditalia-wta-1000-wta-tour-news/brilliant-paolini-downs-gauff-to-win-italian-open-title-821617.html)
Paolini’s victory, her first over Gauff on clay after losing their previous two encounters, underscores her growth since her 2024 French Open doubles title. Tennisuptodate.com noted she’s the first local female champion since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, ending a 40-year drought. With this win, Paolini pockets €963,225, per Sportskeeda, and cements her status as Italy’s tennis darling, with X posts like @WTA’s hailing her “moment in the Eternal City.
