From panic to punchline: Jasmine Paolini’s reaction after a hair‑thin win at the Italian Open

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Jasmine Paolini has begun her Italian Open title defence with a hard-fought win.

The defending champion, who defeated Coco Gauff in the final last year, found herself trailing after the opening set against France’s Leolia Jeanjean. Paolini, however, responded by taking control of the match and eventually secured a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4 victory.

She’ll now move on to face Elise Mertens for a spot in the quarter-finals. The pair have met six times previously, with Mertens leading their head-to-head record 4-2.

After dropping the opening set on a tiebreak, Paolini regrouped and took control of the match from there. Speaking afterwards, she explained how she shifted her approach to find success in the second and third sets.

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Jasmine Paolini describes the Rome opener as ‘a really tough one’

Speaking after the match, Paolini said: “It was a really tough one. I was a little bit nervous.

“A lot of ups and downs. She played, I think, a great match. She already qualified and won one match in the main draw. Was a tough one, but I’m happy I stayed there and managed to come back after the tough first set.”

Asked what she told herself during the second set, Paolini replied: “To try to be aggressive, but at the same time with a bit of patience.

“Wasn’t easy because in the third set, I think that long game, 3-All, when I had an advantage, she was serving well.

“I try to repeat myself, go for the point, go for the shot. It went well, so I’m happy about it. Was a tough game, really tough one. Yeah, I managed to win.”

Jasmine Paolini compares her Rome performance to last year’s