“She knows she can keep up with the best”: New coach confident in Jasmine Paolini’s ceiling

Jasmine Paolini has entered the 2026 season with a renewed technical structure and a clear long-term vision, following the arrival of Danilo Pizzorno as part of her coaching team. The Italian, who established herself among the top players on the WTA Tour over the last two seasons, has opted for continuity rather than disruption, building on relationships formed well before the recent appointment.

Pizzorno’s collaboration with Paolini is not new. The coach has worked with the Tuscan player since 2020, initially in a supporting role during the post-pandemic period. That relationship later expanded into a broader federation-backed project tied to Italy’s Billie Jean King Cup program, creating a foundation of trust that eased the transition into a more permanent setup.

The early phase of the new project coincided with Paolini’s Asian swing, functioning as a trial period that both sides viewed positively. Familiarity with Paolini and long-time collaborator Sara Errani allowed the staff to move quickly, prioritizing quality work from the outset rather than spending weeks adjusting to communication styles or on-court habits.

With the Australian swing approaching, Paolini’s team finalized a structured preseason that emphasized technical refinement and long-term development. The immediate targets include the United Cup in Perth and the Australian Open, but the broader objective extends well beyond the opening weeks of the season, with consistency at the sport’s highest level the central theme.

Pizzorno stressed that the project is designed to consolidate Paolini’s existing strengths rather than overhaul her game. The focus is on incremental improvement, with an emphasis on maintaining her current level while adding layers that can translate into sustained results over several seasons.

"With Jasmine, we have known each other since 2020 – when after the long break for Covid, Renzo Furlan asked me to give technical support. The project then also became a Federal one to support all the players who are part of the Billie Jean King Cup."

According to the coach, the objective is not limited to immediate gains. He underlined that the coming four years will be decisive for Paolini’s career, particularly in terms of stabilizing her performances across the full calendar. After strong showings in WTA 1000 and 500 events last season, the Italian aims to reduce fluctuations at Grand Slam level, where defending points in Paris and London proved demanding.

“The goal was to work on multiple areas of the game to have greater impact and reap the rewards, thinking not only about the immediate future, but also about a long-term path. The mantra is to work now to materialize it later”.

Paolini’s preseason base was set in Valencia, where she trained for roughly three weeks, primarily on hard courts. Clay sessions were also included to accommodate her recent racket change, with customization handled by Andrea Candusso. The technical workload centered on serve, return, and rhythm variation, tools considered essential against heavy hitters on the WTA Tour.

"We were in Valencia for about three weeks, training mainly on hard courts. We also did some sessions on clay, considering Jasmine's change of racket. The customization of the racket was also important in this regard."

Logistically, the team will regroup in Dubai before heading to Perth for the United Cup, with Paolini traveling separately from her coaches. Within the staff, responsibilities are clearly divided, with Errani overseeing tactical aspects and Pizzorno focusing on technique, a balance the coach described as seamless and efficient. "Sara takes care of the strategy, I take care of the technique. We are in perfect synergy and each will try to give their best for the good of the player."