Italian player Jasmine Paolini began her campaign at the Australian Open 2025 with a crushing 6-0, 6-4 victory over Chinese qualifier Wei Sijia at the Margaret Court Arena. The victory, achieved in just over an hour, marks a confident start for Paolini as she looks to capitalize on her exceptional 2024 season.
Paolini’s success in 2024 lays the foundations
Paolini’s breakthrough last year propelled her to the forefront of women’s tennis. The 29-year-old reached the finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, won a gold medal in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics alongside Sara Errani, and helped Italy win its fifth Cup title. Billie Jean King.
Back at Melbourne Park, where she reached the fourth round in 2024 after never winning a main draw match before, Paolini reflected on her newfound confidence:
“Last year I came here thinking, ‘Please, I want to win a match in this Grand Slam,’” she said with a laugh. “Then this happened, so I was a little more relaxed. I love the tournament, I love the city, and of course, I love the people. »
A favorable draw in Melbourne
With a draw free of top 10 players until at least the quarter-finals, Paolini’s path looks promising. Sixth seed Elena Rybakina poses a potential obstacle ahead of a possible semi-final showdown with world number two Iga Swiatek.
Paolini will next face Mexican Renata Zarazua in the second round, looking to continue her good form.
Handle pressure with style
Paolini dominated the first set against Wei, but the 21-year-old Chinese qualifier offered more resistance in the second. The Italian rose to the challenge, breaking Wei in the fifth game with a sharp forehand return winner.
Although Wei saved a match point at 5-3, Paolini finished the match in the next game with a crosscourt forehand winner, much to the delight of a vocal Italian crowd.
“I feel very happy, of course,” Paolini said. “It’s not always easy to play the first round…I had a solid serve today. It’s great to be back in Australia. »
Italian tennis in full swing
Paolini’s success reflects the rise of Italian tennis on the world stage, with Jannik Sinner leading the charge in men’s tennis. In 2024, Italian fans celebrated as Sinner won both the Australian Open and the US Open, giving Italy a presence in every Grand Slam final of the year.
With Paolini now in great shape and buoyed by her 2024 successes, Italian tennis fans may have more reason to celebrate in 2025. Could this be the year she wins her first Grand Slam title? Only the future will tell us.
