Source: Tennis.com

Jasmine Paolini Shines at Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Celebrating Francesca Schiavone’s Legacy

As tennis enthusiasts gather in Rome for the prestigious Internazionali BNL d’Italia, one player is distinctly making her mark: Jasmine Paolini. In a thrilling performance, Paolini became the sole Italian competitor to advance beyond the second round, showcasing her incredible talent and resilience.

A Memorable Semifinal Journey

On Tuesday, Paolini faced off against Diana Schnaider, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-2. This win marked a personal milestone for Paolini, as it was her first time reaching the semifinals in her home tournament. The atmosphere at the Foro Italico was electrifying, fueled by passionate fans who rallied behind their home-favorite players.

Embracing the Italian Tennis Renaissance

During her post-match interview, the Tuscany native expressed her excitement about the growing popularity of tennis in Italy. With her fellow competitor, ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, recently receiving a shout-out from the newly inaugurated Pope Leo XIV, the momentum surrounding Italian tennis has never been stronger.

• “It’s crazy. It’s really crazy. I really enjoy it,” Paolini said, underlining her enthusiasm for the sport.
• “Tennis is getting more popular in Italy. That’s really great for our sport, for us as athletes and tennis players.”
• “We are many players now. We really enjoy being in this era of Italian tennis. We are like a team. Everybody is pushing each other.”

Honoring a Tennis Pioneer: Francesca Schiavone

As the tennis community prepares to honor the 15-year anniversary of Francesca Schiavone’s historic Roland Garros victory, Paolini reflected on Schiavone’s profound influence. Schiavone was the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title, an achievement that continues to inspire a new generation of players.

When asked about her memories of Schiavone’s groundbreaking win, Paolini shared:

• “I remember that. I was in the tennis club. I remember also her outfit (smiling).”
• “It was amazing to watch the scenes. I was getting emotional even if I was young. It was an unbelievable tournament, great memories.”

Paolini’s admiration for the former champion is clear, as she acknowledges the significant impact Schiavone and other predecessors have had on Italian women’s tennis.

Looking Ahead: Aiming for a Grand Slam

Paolini now stands as the No. 5 seed heading into the semifinals, with hopes set on furthering her achievements in this tournament and beyond. With her current trajectory, she finds herself among the favorites as she looks toward the next Grand Slam in Paris.

As she awaits her next opponent—either Peyton Stearns or Elina Svitolina—the anticipation builds not just for her fans, but for all of Italian tennis. Paolini’s journey and unwavering spirit embodies the strength and unity of the Italian tennis community, potentially paving the way for her to become the country’s third Grand Slam champion.

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Jasmine Paolini, Francesca Schiavone, Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Italian tennis, women’s tennis, Roland Garros, Jannik Sinner, tennis news, tennis tournament, WTA Tour