“We’re not just Sinner and me”: Jasmine Paolini underlines Italy’s established tennis dominance

Jasmine Paolini has made it clear that Italy’s tennis success story extends far beyond a single name. The world No. 6, preparing to contest the semifinals of the Mérida Open, addressed the growing narrative that frames the country’s rise primarily through Jannik Sinner. In her view, the momentum is collective and sustained.

Paolini’s own run in Mérida places her one win away from another final at WTA 500 level. Entering the event as a wildcard, she has reinforced her top-10 credentials, with victories over Priscilla Hon and Katie Boulter, before setting up a semifinal meeting with Cristina Bucsa.

“First of all, it’s not just Sinner and me,” Paolini said this week, pushing back against simplified interpretations of Italy’s recent prominence.

The 30-year-old is not the only Italian enjoying a strong week. At the same time, Luciano Darderi has reached the semifinals at the Chile Open, while Flavio Cobolli is competing in the final in Acapulco — and that is only this week — without even considering the significant results achieved by other compatriots at the start of the season.

Italy currently boasts one of the deepest player bases in the professional game. On the men’s side, Sinner’s Grand Slam titles and sustained presence in the top two have drawn global attention, but he is far from alone. Lorenzo Musetti remains a top-10 fixture, Matteo Berrettini has returned to competitive form, and younger names such as Cobolli and Darderi are now established more as a reality than as future projects.

Paolini emphasized that internal support and shared ambition define the group. She listed several compatriots when discussing Italy’s surge, stressing that the spotlight should be distributed more widely.

“There are many players like Musetti, Cobolli, Elisabetta Cocciaretto… many players, maybe I forget someone… there is Berrettini. I think we are a great team, we are very proud and we support each other.”

The women’s side mirrors that growth. Paolini leads as Italy’s highest-ranked woman, while Cocciaretto enjoyed a notable start to the season that keeps her inside the top 40 — after claiming a title at the Hobart Open and producing a strong campaign at the Australian Open.

Paolini’s position in the Mérida semifinals is part of that broader narrative. Her season has been defined by steadiness rather than volatility, with quarterfinal and semifinal appearances consolidating her place among the WTA’s elite. In Mexico, she has demonstrated the ability to adjust rally patterns and increase depth under pressure.

Her tactical maturity has translated into results. Facing aggressive opponents earlier in the week, she recognized the need to alter trajectory and tempo, raising her level at key moments. That adaptability has become a hallmark of her climb into the top 10.

Beyond individual performance, Paolini sees tangible cultural impact in Italy. Increased visibility at the highest levels, particularly through Sinner’s major titles and multiple ATP finals, has fueled participation and national engagement with the sport. “Tennis is becoming very popular in Italy thanks to Jannik and the other young players, and we are doing the same among the girls. Tennis is growing a lot in Italy, and it’s fantastic for the younger generations, because many are starting.”

The statistical backdrop supports her assessment. Italy has placed players in Masters 1000 semifinals, ATP 500 finals and Grand Slam title matches over the past two seasons. This week alone, Italians are competing for finals in Mérida and Acapulco while contesting semifinals in Santiago.

As Paolini prepares for Saturday’s semifinal in Mexico against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, she set clear expectations. “I expect a difficult match because she is a solid player, and that is important on these courts. I need to arrive at the match with a better level than today; the key to the match will be to play with depth. It always is, but now more than ever.”