Jasmine Paolini is the Italian Open champion, following her straight-sets victory over Coco Gauff on Campo Centrale.
Paolini is the first Italian in the Open Era to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, and has clinched her second WTA 1000 title.
The American had no answers for the home favourite, who needed just one hour and 39 minutes to defeat her opponent; the score finishing 6-4, 6-2.
With the head-to-head record between the players now two apiece, Gauff had a message for her Italian Open conqueror after the match.
Coco Gauff’s message to Jasmine Paolini after the Italian Open final
Speaking after her defeat in the final, Gauff said: “I have had a great time here in Rome. I have lost in the semis twice so I was happy to make it to the final.”
The former US Open champion continued: “Congratulations, Jasmine, on the incredible achievement. “I just wanted to say you were an incredible person and player.”
“It’s always tough playing you. Good luck tomorrow in the doubles final, I hope you guys can take it home.”
Paolini responded during the trophy ceremony: Congrats on the amazing week, Coco, and last week also in the finals. You are playing great, keep it going to you and to your team. You are such a great player.”
Three home favourites could be crowned champions at the Italian Open
With Paolini’s victory over Gauff, an Italian treble could be on the cards in the Eternal City.
The women’s singles champion will play the doubles final on Sunday alongside compatriot Sara Errani, who she won a gold medal with at the Paris Olympics.
Later in the day will be the men’s singles final, where Jannik Sinner renews his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.
Should Errani and Sinner both emerge victorious in their matches, three Italians will leave Foro Italico as champions.
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