Jasmine Paolini says if she now considers herself a favourite for Roland Garros after winning the Italian Open
**Jasmine Paolini Addresses Roland Garros Favorite Status After Italian Open Triumph**
Jasmine Paolini, fresh off her historic 2025 Italian Open victory, where she won both the singles and doubles titles on May 17, was asked in a post-match press conference whether she now considers herself a favorite for Roland Garros, starting May 25. The World No. 6, who defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Rome singles final, offered a measured response, saying, “Favorite? I don’t think so, but I’m confident. Roland Garros is different, tougher, but I’m in a good place to compete,” as reported by Tennis Majors. Her comments, shared by @TheTennisLetter on X, reflect humility despite her newfound status as a clay-court force.
Paolini’s Rome triumph, making her the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the singles title and the first player in 35 years to sweep both events, per Reuters, has elevated her to a career-high No. 4 ranking, per Yahoo Sports. Her dominant performance against Gauff, capitalizing on 28 unforced errors, and her doubles win with Sara Errani, per WTA, showcase her versatility and stamina, key for Roland Garros’ grueling five-set format. However, Paolini acknowledged the unique challenges of Paris, noting Iga Swiatek’s dominance—three consecutive titles—and Aryna Sabalenka’s power as bigger threats, per @WTA on X.
Fans on X, like @christophclarey, see Paolini as a dark horse, with her 2024 French Open final run and Olympic gold bolstering her credentials, per @boccardi_marioo. Yet, Paolini downplayed the “favorite” label, emphasizing consistency over expectations, as quoted by CNN: “I just want to keep this level, not think too far ahead.” Her +800 odds, behind Swiatek (+160) and Sabalenka (+225), per Oddspedia, align with her cautious stance.
Paolini’s Rome success, earning $1,008,999, per Sportskeeda, and her elite company alongside legends like Martina Navratilova for the singles-doubles feat, per @OptaAce, position her as a serious contender. While not embracing the favorite tag, her confidence and clay-court prowess suggest she’s ready to make waves in Paris.
