WTA 1000 – Rome, Italy
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini delighted the home crowd on Friday by defeating American Peyton Stearns to reach the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. The world No. 5 secured her place in the championship match with a convincing 7-5, 6-1 win in 1 hour and 41 minutes.
With this victory, Paolini becomes the first Italian woman to reach the final of the prestigious WTA 1000 event in Rome since 2014, a moment of national pride in front of her home fans at the Foro Italico.
Stearns, who put together an impressive run to the semifinals, had previously upset Elina Svitolina in a grueling match that featured three tie-break sets. But against Paolini, the American could not match the consistency and power of the Italian star.
For Paolini, this final represents a new milestone in what has been a breakout season. Born to an Italian father and a Ghanaian-Polish mother, the 28-year-old from Tuscany has steadily climbed the rankings with her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness. Earlier this year, she reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open and claimed her biggest title to date in Dubai. Her rise has made her one of the most inspiring stories in women’s tennis—a symbol of perseverance and national pride.
Rome now watches with anticipation as Paolini looks to etch her name in history and become the first Italian woman ever to lift the title at this event.