WTA1000 Rome: Coco Gauff vs Jasmine Paolini final analysis
Closer to victory with each additional rally shot, Paolini clinched an unforgettable win in the Eternal City
Jasmine Paolini (WTA #6) thrilled the Rome crowd — Italian President Sergio Mattarella included — with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Coco Gauff (WTA #4) in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final to become the first home champion in 40 years.
Just like Raffaella Reggi in 1985, Paolini capped off “a perfect two weeks” by winning the doubles competition as well, alongside Sara Errani.
At 163cm/5’4’’, Paolini has acknowledged in the past she is fairly short for today’s tennis standards:
“…I mean, I wish I was taller because I could serve better, but I think I accept that I have to do it with my own body. I mean, I am short, okay. We try to don’t make it a problem. We try to do something different to improve other aspects like serve. But I mean I wish I was taller. But it’s okay, I am not. So we have to do with what I have.”
— Jasmine Paolini, 2024 Roland Garros post-match press conference
What the 29-year old Italian has and shows every time she steps on a tennis court is a very positive mindset, a big heart, non-stop energy, tremendous movement and court coverage, great shot selection and huge desire, tenacity and bravery.
What she is doing is ignoring any physical disadvantages, playing so much bigger, defying all expectations and leaving her mark at historic events.
All achieved while loving the moment and sharing a contagious smile!
Match analysis
Paolini’s emotional win on Saturday featured 2 major factors providing the entire winning margin:
Long rallies
Gauff’s double faults
The eventual champion was flawless during long exchanges, outrallying Gauff in 16 of 22 points (73%) that reached a 9th shot, for a substantial 10-point edge (16 to 6).
Paolini also collected a 6-point advantage from short points (38 to 32), a difference that was all due to Gauff’s 7 double faults against none from the Italian.
Significantly, these key difference-makers were already on display in the first couple of points and set the tone for the match.