Twice as Nice: Jasmine Paolini captures Singles and Doubles glory in historic Rome triumph

Jasmine Paolini etched her name in tennis history this weekend, pulling off an extraordinary double at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. The 29-year-old Italian dazzled her home crowd by winning both the singles and doubles titles, becoming the first woman in 35 years to do so, and the first Italian woman ever to achieve the feat.

Her remarkable run not only cements her place among the elite in the WTA tour, but also answers the lingering questions surrounding her consistency after last year’s Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

"I Had to Write a Nice Story for Rome"

That story began Saturday when Paolini stormed past Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2, to become the first Italian woman to win the singles crown in Rome since 1985. The win also marked her first-ever WTA clay court title and the biggest singles title of her career. Italian President Sergio Mattarella was among the applauding crowd in a packed Campo Centrale, soaking in the moment as Paolini collapsed to the clay in tears.

Despite standing just 5-foot-4 (1.63m), Paolini played with outsized power and poise throughout the tournament, navigating a tough draw to lift the trophy in front of her home fans.

But she wasn’t done.

A Sunday Comeback for the Ages

Teaming up with fellow Italian Sara Errani, the duo successfully defended their Rome doubles crown, rallying from 4-0 down in both sets to stun Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens 6-4, 7-5 in a thrilling final. It was a gritty, high-drama match that stretched nearly two hours and ended with Paolini smashing a return winner at 6-5, 40-all — a moment of pure magic.

“It’s amazing. It was a perfect two weeks,” said a smiling Paolini. “I was tired, but I just told myself: give everything you have.”

Errani, a three-time Rome doubles champion, added: “It was an incredible atmosphere. They play so strong, so it wasn’t easy. But we found a way.”

A Historic Milestone

With this dream run, Paolini becomes the first woman since Monica Seles in 1990 to sweep both titles in Rome, joining a legendary list that includes Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Virginia Wade. She also becomes the first player since Vera Zvonareva in 2009 (Indian Wells) to win both the singles and doubles titles at a WTA 1000 event.

Her victory propels her to No. 4 in the PIF WTA Rankings, ahead of four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, as she heads to Roland Garros with momentum and confidence, even if she downplays her chances.

“I’m not feeling myself the favorite,” Paolini admitted. “I just want to step on court, enjoy the match, and not think too much about expectations.”

The Paolini Effect

This emotional double win has already stirred national pride in Italy. On the same weekend when Jannik Sinner fell short in his bid to become the first homegrown men’s champion in Rome since 1976, Paolini delivered a triumph that may define her career and perhaps spark a new era in Italian women’s tennis.

Quick Hits

• Paolini defeated Coco Gauff to win the singles title, her first WTA 1000 and first clay-court title.
• Partnered with Sara Errani, Paolini defended her doubles title with dramatic comebacks in both sets.
• She is the first woman in 35 years to win both titles in Rome, and first Italian woman ever to do so.
• Paolini climbs to WTA World No. 4, ahead of Iga Swiatek.
• This marks Paolini’s first title of 2025.

SportsLigue