In the world of professional tennis, stories of sudden ascents often captivate fans, but few are as compelling as Jasmine Paolini’s rise during this year’s Wimbledon. The Italian tennis player, with Polish heritage through her mother, has transformed from a relatively unknown contender to a trailblazer in the sport in an incredibly short span of time.
Just last year, Paolini was a figure on the fringe of major tennis headlines. Fast forward to the present, and she has become the first Italian woman in the Open Era to reach at least the fourth round in the first three Grand Slam tournaments of the season. After her third-round victory at Wimbledon, an elated Paolini shared, “It feels like a dream.”
Prior to this remarkable season, the 28-year-old had never advanced past the second round in any Grand Slam event. Her breakthrough came at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she made it to the fourth round. February saw her clinching a major tournament in Dubai, further proving her growing prowess on the court.
Spring brought even more success as Paolini reached the finals at the French Open, only to be bested by Iga Świątek. Despite the loss, Paolini’s performance in Paris was noteworthy, and she openly reflected on her journey, noting how she had struggled to even dream of such achievements in the past.
Paolini’s self-belief has been a work in progress, evolving match by match over the latter part of the previous year. “I don’t know why it took so long. With every step I took, I had to believe in it. Now, I think I could have made it into the top hundred sooner,” she admitted during the tournament.
Ranked seventh in the world as she entered Wimbledon — her highest ranking to date — Paolini’s impressive play continued in London, where she hasn’t dropped a set. Her notable victory came against 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, winning 7-6(4), 6-1 in an eagerly watched match. Due to the overwhelming media interest, her press conference had to be moved to a larger venue, underscoring the increasing attention her performances are attracting.
Paolini’s journey at Wimbledon isn’t just a personal victory; it marks a historic moment for Italian tennis. In an era when Italian tennis has seen its share of Grand Slam champions like Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci, Paolini’s consistent high-level play across multiple Grand Slams sets her apart.
Reflecting on her achievements, Paolini finds the situation somewhat surreal, “It’s strange to be the first Italian woman to do this. Watching those players before, I felt so far behind them. Of course, I’m happy and proud, but it still feels a bit strange.”
As Wimbledon progresses, Paolini’s dream continues to unfold, signaling the arrival of a new star in the world of tennis. Whether this dream culminates in a Wimbledon trophy or not, Jasmine Paolini’s 2024 season will be remembered as the year she made the leap from the peripheries of tennis to its center stage.