Sun May 18 15:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Paolini Ends 40-Year Drought, Claims Historic Rome Title
**Rome, Italy** – In a stunning victory that electrified the home crowd, Jasmine Paolini defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday, becoming the first Italian woman to win the Rome title in the Open Era. The No. 6 seed needed just 89 minutes to dispatch the No. 4 seed, securing a historic win in front of Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The victory marks the first time in 40 years that an Italian woman has claimed the singles title at her country’s most prestigious tournament. Paolini is the first Italian to win the title in Rome, since Raffaella Reggi’s win in Taranto in 1985.
“It’s pure joy to have this trophy in my hands here in Rome at home,” Paolini said after the match. “Really happy about it and grateful, as well.”
Paolini’s dominant performance saw her convert five of seven break points. The win is her second WTA 1000 title of the year, following her victory in Dubai earlier this season. This is also her first WTA singles title on clay, leveling her head-to-head record against Gauff at 2-2.
Gauff, while disappointed, acknowledged Paolini’s strong performance. “[Paolini] forced me to play that way…she played to win today and she deserved to win,” Gauff said.
Paolini is projected to return to her career-high ranking of No. 4 on Monday, securing a likely Top 4 seed at the upcoming Roland Garros. Her week is not over yet, as she and Sara Errani will compete in the doubles final on Sunday, aiming to defend their title. If they succeed, Paolini will become the first player since Vera Zvonareva in 2009 to sweep both the singles and doubles titles at a WTA 1000 event.
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