"Most beautiful thing that has happened in women’s tennis": Mats Wilander praises Jasmine Paolini after Rome Open triumph

Former world number one Mats Wilander has praised Italy’s Jasmine Paolini after her incredible performance at the Rome Open. The 29-year-old registered one of the biggest wins of her career as she lifted the WTA 1000 title on home soil after beating America’s Coco Gauff in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2.

It was Paolini’s second WTA 1000 title in her career. Her first one came in Dubai in 2024 after beating Anna Kalinskaya in the final with a score of 4–6, 7–5, 7–5. Former world number one Wilander has spoken to Italian free-to-air channel Supertennis, where she praised the reigning world number four for her incredible performances in the recent past. The 60-year-old, who lifted as many as seven Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, went as far as calling the Italian star ‘the most beautiful thing’ in women’s tennis.

“I think she’s happier than any other player who has won the Italian Open,” he said. “In my opinion she played the perfect match. Coco Gauff did not get off to a good start and after that she was never able to work her way back into the match. But Jasmine played really well. I was impressed by how the public of Rome was very respectful towards Coco Gauff: a great atmosphere, a fantastic moment of tennis. Jasmine is really impressive. You have to see her play live to realize how much power she expresses. She moves incredibly well, she has a huge anticipation skills. But what impressed me most is her character, what she delivers. People love her because she’s always smiling. Even when she misses shots, she still smiles. Jasmine is the most beautiful thing that has happened in women’s tennis in a long time.”

Paolini’s performance in Rome was not standalone. Before coming into competition, the 29-year-old cemented spots in the Miami Open and Stuttgart Open semifinals, where she suffered defeats to reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Talking to the media after the match, Paolini stated that it was her ‘dream come true’ moment to finally lift the title on her home soil. "It's pure joy to have this trophy in my hands here in Rome at home," she said. Really happy about it and grateful, as well. It's a dream to win in Rome, of course ... for every maybe kid that's playing in Italy. I'm enjoying the moment. It's an amazing one."