Martina Navratilova Sends Special Message to Jasmine Paolini Post Rome Victory

After having a breakthrough season in 2024, where she won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, before finishing as a runner-up in Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Jasmine Paolini earned praise from the legends of the game. Even in the doubles, she won the Olympic gold medal, and owing to these massive successes, she became the only player to be ranked in the Top in both singles and doubles at the time. Seeing this, American legend Chris Evert said, “Deserved. What a year she’s had!” Has Paolini picked up from where she left off last year? Well, she struggled a bit in the initial phases of the 2025 season, but since the Miami Open, she has looked like a completely different player. After making it to the semis in Miami and Stuttgart, Paolini has now outclassed America’s Coco Gauff in straight sets to win the 2025 Italian Open title. Seeing her incredible victory, Evert’s fierce rival in her playing days, Martina Navratilova, dropped a reaction. What did she say?

With this 6-4,6-2 win over Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini has become the first Italian woman to win the title in Rome since Raffael Reggi in 1985. So, it has been almost 40 years since the Italian crowd saw a countrywoman lift this prestigious event. Jasmine Paolini did what Jannik Sinner couldn’t in the men’s final against Carlos Alcaraz! Seeing her achieve this historic feat, Martina Navratilova shared a tweet with the caption, “Brava!!!:)“

Interesting Facts: Jasmine Paolini joined Serena Williams in the history book, becoming the second player to win the women’s titles after turning 29.

Brava!!!:) https://t.co/PiXrbKL5Lm

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 17, 2025

Even Boris Becker shared a tweet saying, “Forza.” Others like Bianca Andreescu hailed her “Amazing” performance, and even Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill congratulated her on her “brilliant performance.” Several other tennis stars like Ons Jabeur and Caroline Dolehide also showcased love and support for the Italian on social media.

Following her incredible victory in the singles event, Jasmine Paolini also clinched the doubles title alongside her partner Sara Errani at the Italian Open, With this win in the doubles final against Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova, she has now also become the first person to complete the feat in 35 years – Jasmine Paolini is now one of the six players in the Open Era to win both singles and doubles tournaments at the Italian Open. In fact, she is also the first to win both events since Monica Seles in 1990. The Italian duo will now set their sights on the prestigious prize at the Roland Garros, but before that, let’s check out what Paolini and Coco Gauff had to say after this match.

“It’s a dream to win in Rome” – Jasmine Paolini shares his thoughts on her recent title triumph 

It took Jasmine Paolini just 89 minutes to beat the world number 2, Coco Gauff, in this mega final. After winning this title, she recalled how she used to come here as a kid and watch the tournament, and now getting the chance to lift that same title is a “pure joy” for the 29-year-old. “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.” She even shared a post on her IG account, where she shared a few words on Gauff.

She wrote, “Massive respect to Coco Gauff, you’re an incredible player and competitor. It’s always a battle, and it means a lot to share the court with you.” Seeing this post, even Gauff commented, “thank you .” With this win, Paolini has now leveled it at 2-2 with the American in the H2H record.

After this match, Coco Gauff’s high number of double faults has become the talk of the town. What did she say after this second consecutive defeat in a final (after the Madrid Open)? “Yeah, I mean, Jasmine played I think great tennis today. I think it was one of her best levels today. I also didn’t play my best level. I think it’s both. It’s not to discredit my opponent. She forced me to play that way. Yeah, maybe I could have served better and put more balls in the court, could play better. I definitely could and can. But she played to win today and she deserved to win.”

Both these players will next be seen in action at the French Open. Jasmine Paolini reached the final last year. Can she win it this time? “To be honest, I don’t consider myself a favorite at Roland-Garros. I’ll try to do my best. I’ll go there and take it match by match.” 

Who between Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini do you think will make the longer run in Paris? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

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