Jasmine Paolini is back on home soil and is preparing to compete at the Italian Open.
The 29-year-old is one of the players who have helped propel Italian tennis to the forefront of the game in recent years.
Paolini’s phenomenal 2024 season saw her reach two Grand Slam finals and become a top 10 player for the first time.
Another Italian who had a spectacular campaign last year was Jannik Sinner, who will return to action in Rome following his three-month doping suspension.
Jasmine Paolini says whether she spoke to Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open
Jasmine Paolini is preparing to compete in front of her home fans at the Italian Open.
She has yet to go beyond the second round at the Foro Italico, but the World number five will fancy her chances of going much further in 2025.
On the men’s side Sinner carries Italy’s greatest chance of success, despite having not played since January.
Upon his return to action, Paolini commented on compatriot being back on tour and what she said to him when they met.
“Jannik is coming back and I think the people are really happy about it,” she told Sky Sports. “I’m really happy that we finally have him back on tour.
“I sent him a message on Instagram to say some kind words, I said I hope you have three good months, I know it’s going to be tough, I cannot imagine, and it’s tough to go through what he’s gone through in the past year.
“So I wanted him to feel my support and when I saw him in Rome I said to him ‘I’m really happy to see you back on tour’. He’s an amazing person so it’s good to have him around.”
Jasmine Paolini shares her thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s doping ban
The tennis world was rocked when it was announced that Sinner tested positive for banned substance costebol on two occasions in 2024.
He was subsequently banned from tennis for three months from February, and the ban ended on May 4, meaning he is eligible to play at the Italian Open.
Many of his peers are happy to see him back in competing, especially Paolini, who thought his suspension was unfair.
“What happened was a bit of a controversy. I honestly think the suspension was unfair, and being out of the tour for three months didn’t help anyone,” Paolini told UbiTennis. “I think he’s an incredible player, he didn’t deserve this. He’s an incredible person.
“It’s nice to have Jannik back here, but at the same time I think what happened scared everyone a bit because we’re subject to doping tests all year round, and contamination is scary because we don’t have control over everything we do, everything we eat, what we touch, and I can give you an example right away.”
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