Jasmine Paolini came through a difficult first assignment to kick off her Italian Open title defence.
The Italian, who beat Coco Gauff in last year’s final to hoist the trophy in front of a home crowd, went a set down in her opening-round clash with French star Leolia Jeanjean.
After falling in a first-set tiebreak, Paolini forced a decider against Jeanjean, in which she ultimately came out on top to win 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
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She will take on 21st seed Elise Mertens in the next round, whom she has faced six times before on the WTA Tour.
Following her win, Paolini revealed how her approach to the match after Jeanjean drew first blood.
Jasmine Paolini calls Rome opener ‘a really tough one’
Speaking in her post-match press conference, Paolini said: “It was a really tough one. I was a little bit nervous.
“A lot of up and downs. She played, I think, a great match. She already qualified, won one match in the main draw. Was a tough one, but I’m happy I stay there and managed to come back after the tough first set.”
Asked what she told herself during the second set, Paolini replied: “To try to be aggressive, but at the same time with a bit of patience.
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“Wasn’t easy because in the third set I think that long game, 3-All, when I had an advantage, she was serving well.
“I try to repeat myself, go for the point, go for the shot. It went well, so I’m happy about it. Was a tough game, really tough one. Yeah, I managed to win.”
Jasmine Paolini compares her Rome performance to last year
Paolini recorded an incredible campaign in Rome last year, dropping just one set throughout the tournament en route to the title.
Comparing her current level to 2025, Paolini said: “This match was a bit of ups and downs, for sure. But I remember last year, I mean, also a lot of up and downs during the tournament.
“Of course, the first round went better than this. Was another story, another year. I’m here. I practised well last week.
“I was feeling great before the tournament. Today a lot of ups and downs. I’m happy that I have another chance to play another match here in Rome.”
Paolini trails in the head-to-head against her next opponent, Mertens, with the Belgian leading 4-2 at tour-level events.
They have only met two times on clay, the most recent of which came in Prague during the 2020 season, where Mertens came out on top.
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