By Dominique O’Laleye
Sunday 4th August saw success for Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani as they clinched the Olympic title in the Ladies Doubles from Russian neutrals Mirra Andreeva and Diana Schnaider. The Italian pair and long-term friends won gold for Italy in a three-set battle lasting 1 hour and 24 minutes; they were made to come back from a set down. The final score was 2-6, 6-1, 10-7. In doing so, history was made, and they became the first Italian players to win gold at the Olympics. The momentous victory enabled Errani to achieve the prestigious Golden Slam in doubles, this feat involves winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold which few have achieved. Jasmine Paolini had her first taste of victory lifting her first major title in either singles or doubles.
So, who is Jasmine Paolini?
Born to an Italian father and Polish and Ghanaian mother, Paolini has become a household name this year soaring to 5th in the world in singles and 15th in doubles (as of 05/08/24). It appears, at the ripe age of 28, Paolini’s style of play has come together perfectly to carry her to four major finals this year across singles and doubles. Though lacking in height compared to many of her peers at 5’4”, she is one of the quickest and most agile players on tour; generating power and aggression into her groundstrokes. These characteristics have enabled her to be a dynamic player.
Paolini has become known as an Italian “pocket rocket” that has captured hearts across the world and become a new crowd favourite due to her infectious personality and fighting spirit. She has without a doubt claimed 2024 as her year; rising through the rankings reaching new success and heights in both singles and doubles despite making her singles debut on the WTA circuit in 2017.
Why has it taken so long for success?
Prior to this year, Jasmine had never gone past the second round in any singles major or past the third in doubles; however, everything has fallen into place for the spirited Italian and she is in the form of her life. The Italian both generates and absorbs pace, a rare find amongst the current top players and this has rewarded her with deep runs into all the major tournaments of the year so far. Reaching the 4th round in the Australian Open, the final of both singles and doubles at Roland Garros and the final of Wimbledon, Paolini has proven her form is no fluke. She became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the final of both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.
Her passion for playing and positive attitude is tough for any opponent to face as she embodies a never give up and fight for every point mentality. For tennis fans and crowds, Paolini is easy to get behind and a delight to watch because her love for the game shines through regardless of the scoreline. To the court, she brings not only high-quality tennis, but a breath of fresh air with her electricity and infectious energy, often jumping to scream “FORZA” throughout her matches.
In Wimbledon of this year, she battled in many tough, three set matches demonstrating her warrior strength and fiery determination despite having never won a tour-level match on grass prior to this season. The Italian’s formidable and impressive firsts have built her confidence and belief, making history multiple times this year; she has said the whole thing is crazy but is grateful to be living the dream right now. Claiming an Olympic Gold is one few have the honour of doing and after narrowly losing out in her third grand slam final of the year at Wimbledon, I think many, like me, were delighted to see Paolini on top.
What is next for the Italian star?
With much of the year still left to play, and Paolini’s form and energy maintaining, it would be fair to assume there is lots more to come from her. With the US Open starting at the end of the month and the WTA Finals at the end of the season, Paolini will be keen to make deep runs in both events and get her hands on her maiden Grand Slam title. Paolini; currently ranked in the top 5 is no stranger to beating the big names and big hitters of the game right now and will fancy her chances against any opponent she faces. So, let’s see if there will be an Italian winner on the women’s side of the draw this year for the first time since Flavia Pennetta in 2015…
