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

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

Paolini had an impressive run in Rome last year and lost just one set across the entire tournament before lifting the trophy.

Comparing her current form to how she started 2025, Paolini noted some differences: “This match was a bit of ups and downs, for sure. But I remember last year, I mean, also a lot of ups and downs during the tournament.

“Of course, the first round went better than this. Was another story, another year. I’m here. I practised well last week.

“I was feeling great before the tournament. Today a lot of ups and downs. I’m happy that I have another chance to play another match here in Rome.”

Mertens currently leads their head-to-head record 4-2 in tour-level matches. Their only two meetings on clay came during Prague’s 2020 season, with Mertens winning both.