Leonardo Iannacci
November 13, 2024
Jasmine Paolininumber 4 in the world, is closing an incredible year but found time for a blitz in Turin with the aim of cheering for Jannik, before Billie Jean King, the women’s Davis in Malaga.
Jasmine, is Sinner for you…?
«Something special, it was and is an example for us girls too. A source of inspiration.”
As world number 4 in the WTA rankings, are you on Sinner’s trail?
«We are different because our stories are different: he hit the roof at 22, I’m 28 and I’m not objectively number 1».
What do you like about him?
«Everything, mainly his way of being on and off the pitch».
Will he avenge his Finals in Ryad on Sunday which didn’t go very well?
“Yes. In Ryad I was annoyed by the defeat in the doubles, in the singles I lost two difficult matches against Sabalenka and Zhang.”
In 2024 what was the top moment?
«Roland Garros and Wimbledon were finals that, years ago, I would have thought impossible. But the Olympics have become crazy.”
A flash of that golden August 4th?
«An image? Sara crying and me laughing.”
What do you have more than your opponents in certain moments of the finals?
«The belief, when there is a difficult passage, we look at each other. In Paris Sara said something that excited me: we need to smile more! Optimism! We already have the silver around our neck even if we lose. And we won.”
What are your goals in 2025? Will he also play doubles?
“Certain. Maybe I’ll plan differently but I’ll do both specialties.”
And now on to the Billie Jean King Cup. Are you among the favourites?
«Calm down: we will debut on Saturday in Malaga. The rest will come by itself. But this 2024 was the year of my first times: a 1000 tournament, Olympic gold, two Slam finals. As Jannik says, you always have to work and improve. I realize it.”
