Jasmine Paolini 2025 Season Recap

The Italian Open was the Scene of her Greatest Moment in Singles

After being beaten so comprehensively by Sakkari in Madrid, what happened next at the Italian Open was even more surprising. The home favorite progressed to the quarterfinals with triumphs against Lulu Sun, Ons Jabeur, and Jelena Ostapenko without dropping a set. Paolini dropped the opener against Diana Shnaider and seemed in trouble. However, the 21-year-old then became rattled in the partisan atmosphere, allowing her more experienced opponent to win 6-7 6-4 6-2.

Paolini set up a final meeting with Coco Gauff by overcoming Peyton Stearns. The 2024 French Open runner-up handled the pressure incredibly to secure her second WTA 1000 title. She prevailed 4-6 2-6 by being much more solid and making fewer mistakes in the slow conditions. While securing her maiden 1000-level title in Dubai was special, winning a tournament with that status on home soil must have been even more memorable. Paolini also claimed the doubles title with Sara Errani.

Paolini Made Another Unexpected Coaching Change After More Early Grand Slam Exits

A fourth-round French Open exit to Elina Svitolina followed the high in Rome. Paolini held three match points in the second set, but could not close out the match. After preparing for Wimbledon at tournaments in Berlin and Bad Homburg, she suffered her worst defeat of 2025 at SW19. Fans on Court 3 were left stunned after last year’s runner-up was knocked out by Kamilla Rakhimova in three sets.

Although those setbacks in Paris and London were disappointing, Paolini’s choice to split from Marc Lopez after just three months caused widespread shock. Many coaches need longer to make a difference, and he was in the role for her moment in Rome. She has worked with Federico Gaio since splitting from Lopez.

Paolini’s high moment during the North American swing occurred at the Cincinnati Open. Her run to the final in Ohio included a third consecutive victory against Coco Gauff before falling short in a high-quality final against Iga Swiatek that ended 5-7 4-6. She lost to Aoi Ito in the opening round of the National Bank Open and to Marketa Vondrousova in the third round of the US Open before and after the Cincinnati Open.

Paolini Played Very Well in the Season’s Closing Weeks Before an Unfortunate Ending

Paolini played a pivotal role in Italy’s second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup title by winning three singles and one doubles match. That included beating Jessica Pegula in the final. Her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals looked slim after the US Open. She started the Asian swing by reaching the China Open semifinal, but it seemed like that might not be enough to help her cause.

Failing to reach a single Grand Slam quarterfinal was undoubtedly the most disappointing part of Paolini’s year. However, winning the Italian Open and finishing as the world No. 8 ensured it was another impressive season overall. She turns 30 in January, and it will be fascinating to observe what she achieves in 2026.