Jasmine Paolini kicked off her Italian Open title defense with a nail-biting victory that had fans on the edge of their seats—and even the defending champion herself feeling the pressure. The Italian star, who famously defeated Coco Gauff in last year's final, found herself in an early hole after dropping the opening set to France's Leolia Jeanjean. But true champions find a way, and Paolini stormed back to secure a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4 win, turning what could have been a panic moment into a punchline.
After falling behind in a tense tiebreak, Paolini regrouped and took control of the match with renewed aggression and patience. "It was a really tough one. I was a little bit nervous," she admitted after the match. "A lot of ups and downs. She played a great match... but I'm happy I stayed there and managed to come back."
The key shift? Paolini told herself to "try to be aggressive, but at the same time with a bit of patience." That mindset paid off in the decisive third set, where a crucial long game at 3-All tested her resolve. "I try to repeat myself, go for the point, go for the shot. It went well, so I'm happy about it," she said with a relieved smile.
Paolini now advances to face Elise Mertens in the next round, with a quarterfinal spot on the line. The two have met six times before, with Mertens holding a 4-2 edge in their head-to-head record. It's a tough challenge, but Paolini knows what it takes to thrive in Rome—last year she lost just one set en route to the title.
Reflecting on her form compared to her 2025 start, Paolini acknowledged the ups and downs but stayed optimistic. "This match was a bit of ups and downs, for sure. But I remember last year, also a lot of ups and downs during the tournament. I'm happy that I have another chance to play another match here in Rome."
For tennis fans and players alike, Paolini's gritty comeback is a reminder that even the best face adversity—and that a champion's mindset can turn a shaky start into a winning finish. Whether you're defending a title or just hitting the courts this weekend, a little patience and a lot of heart go a long way.