When it comes to preparing properly for the French Open, Jasmine Paolini has done things in emphatic style.
Not only did the Italian player come through a final against Coco Gauff in comprehensive fashion, but she also picked up a doubles title alongside compatriot Sara Errani.
Paolini has jumped up a place to become the world number four ahead of Roland Garros, with Iga Swiatek being dumped down to number five ahead of her favourite Grand Slam.
The talented performer enjoyed a breakout year last year, reaching the final at the French Open and Wimbledon without managing to get her hands on one of the biggest titles in the world of tennis.
This year, that might change, however, with the Italian player looking to be in confident spirits going into the second Grand Slam of 2025.
Jennifer Capriati delivers an intriguing verdict on Jasmine Paolini
Given how she’s performed over the last 18 months, it’s easy to forget that Paolini isn’t at the start of her career and at 29-years-old, perhaps she’s considered a bit of a late bloomer.
After her exploits at the Italian Open, there is now genuine hope that she can go on and claim a first Grand Slam title in Paris in the coming weeks, with Capriati now raving about the player.
The three-time Grand Slam winner tasted glory at the French Open in 2001 when she beat Kim Clijsters in the final and it would appear she’s been wowed by Paolini of late.
She posted on X: “Breaking through at 28 with no prior results, is that right? Two slam finals, winning a master title on your home turf, in Italy as an Italian. That’s a tough task. Pretty cool. Late bloomer is an understatement! And winning the doubles as well? Wow!”
Paolini has great chance to break Grand Slam duck
When it comes to the women’s game these days, things really are as competitive as ever, making things extremely exciting for those of a Paolini persuasion.
Age is merely a number and if Paolini can beat someone of Gauff’s credentials so convincingly in the Italian Open final, you can bet she can win a Grand Slam.
Paolini won’t want to creep into her thirties without one of the big titles to her name and although Madison Keys recently claimed her maiden slam aged 31, the Italian will want to get one ticked off as a matter of urgency.
Last year has clearly given Paolini the catalyst to kick on and establish among the world’s top players and she will certainly be among the favourites at Roland Garros next week.
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