Despite defeat to Barbora Krejicova in the recent Wimbledon final, Jasmine Paolini has plenty to be positive about after reaching two consecutive grand slam finals.
At 28 years old, the Italian has enjoyed new success in 2024 as she secured her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai, alongside making her first appearance in a Grand Slam Final in both singles and doubles events.
Born in Tuscany to an Italian father, Paolini has Ghanaian and Polish heritage through her mother.
Prior to this year, Paolini had never made it further than the 2nd round of a grand slam. Now, she is the first WTA player since Serena Williams to reach the final at Rolland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.
These achievements may have come as a surprise to the tennis world as Paolini’s previous results didn’t indicate that she would reach this current level.
Her only title before this year came back in 2021 at the former WTA 250 Slovenia Open tournament.
The 3 years wait for her next title ended this year in Dubai and it has sparked one of the most impressive breakout campaigns seen on the WTA tour.
Could this be a sign of players developing at a later age?
Individual sports such as tennis can be difficult for players mentally. Whilst some players find it exhilarating others struggle with the feeling of isolation on the court.
As players adjust to the stresses and strains of the professional tour it’s only natural that some players may find their best form later than others.
There are many examples of tennis players finding their best form much later in their careers.
Stan Wawrinka picked up his first grand slam title at the 2014 Australian Open aged 28. Paolini’s fellow Italian, Flavia Pennetta, won her sole grand slam title at the 2015 US Open at the age of 33 years old.
Last year’s Wimbledon also had an underdog story as a then 27-year-old Christopher Eubanks became a Quarter Finalist after playing in the main draw for the very first time.
Although there will be huge disappointment with losing two grand slam finals, Paolini is more than capable of challenging for another grand slam and this time getting over the line.
With superstars like Alcaraz and Swiatek regularly collecting titles at an early stage in their career, it would be easy for other players on the tour to lose faith in their ability to achieve the same heights.
However, Paolini is a great example for players who are still finding their feet on the tour.
What’s the secret behind her success?
Paolini is coached by fellow Italian Renzo Furlan who notably reached the Quarter Finals of the French Open in 1995. He achieved a world high ranking of 19 on the ATP tour. The pair have been working together since 2015 but Furlan became her full-time coach in 2020.
Paolini will now be eyeing an Olympic medal. She’s back at Rolland Garros where she was runner up to Iga Swiatek in the June French Open Final. She showed no signs of fatigue in her opening round fixture against Ana Bogdan, beating the Romanian 7-5, 6-3, in straight sets.
Next, she will face Madga Linette for a place in the third round.