'I could have done better' - Jasmine Paolini reflects on Cincinnati Open final loss ahead of the US Open

Tennis star Jasmine Paolini is one of the hardest workers on the WTA Tour, often competing in both doubles and singles events at the same tournament. However, this has not hampered her success, as she reached another WTA 1000 final, this time at the 2025 Cincinnati Open.

After winning the Italian Open in front of her home crowd earlier this year, Paolini proved she was a dangerous competitor by reaching the final in Cincinnati last week. The World No.8 defeated former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova and top-ranked American Coco Gauff to reach the final, where she faced Polish star Iga Swiatek.

Despite a valiant attempt by the Italian, Swiatek proved to be too much, clinching the title behind a 7-5 6-4 victory. Nonetheless, Paolini left Cincinnati feeling positive as she heads to the US Open.

The 29-year old was scheduled to compete alongside compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in the revamped mixed doubles championships at the US Open. However, Paolini withdrew from the event when she made the final in Cincinnati, opting to use the time afterwards to recover and tune-up her game in preparation for Flushing Meadows.

Losing the Cincinnati final had some positive effects, says Paolini

"I decided to withdraw after yesterday's semifinal," said Paolini in her post-match conference after the Cincinnati final. "I'm playing singles and doubles every week, and it's tough. Flying at night and playing the next morning or afternoon is a bit much. I need to recover. I would have liked to play with Lorenzo Musetti. It's a wonderful competition.
"But at the same time, I have to think about my body, and I think the best thing is to recover for a day or two to be mentally and physically ready for the US Open. Me, seeded eighth? I don't know what the difference would be if I were number nine, it depends. Sure, it's nice to be seeded, but whether it's eight or nine, I don't know how much of a difference it makes. The goal is to focus on my game and try to have a good tournament , be ready, and I'll prepare in the next few days for the US Open."

Paolini then spoke on her cheerful attitude, stating how it helps her deal with whatever happens on court.

"Me, always smiling? To be honest, I'm not always like that, obviously," said Paolini. "But when I give it my all and do my best, then yes. I could have done better, of course: serving better, doing some things better. But I was there for every point, even in difficult situations, I tried to react . So I don't know, I also try to see things as positive.
"These were ten very positive days, after a very tough month and a half for me. I gave it my all. That's okay. Not everything is under my control. I'm happy with how I was on the court and how I fought point after point. I didn't win, obviously I wanted to win, but there was also an opponent on the other side."