Jasmine Paolini is an Italian tennis player ranked WTA World #7 and one of the most improved players on tour in recent years. The 30-year-old from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana had a remarkable 2024 season, reaching the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, a feat that catapulted her from relative obscurity into the upper echelon of women’s tennis.
Paolini’s game defies the power-first trend in modern women’s tennis. Standing just 5’4”, she is one of the smallest players in the top 10, but she compensates with exceptional timing, quick hands, and an ability to redirect pace with sharp angles. Her forehand is struck with early timing and generates surprising power for her frame. Her movement is outstanding, and she uses her low center of gravity to slide effectively on clay and change direction quickly on hard courts. Her tactical intelligence allows her to compete with players who hit significantly harder than she does.
Her 2024 breakthrough was one of the feel-good stories of the tennis season. Reaching consecutive Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, after years of grinding through the lower reaches of the rankings, demonstrated the rewards of perseverance and continuous improvement. Though she fell short in both finals, the experience of competing on the biggest stages has made her a legitimate contender at every major tournament.
Paolini will look to build on her Grand Slam credentials in 2026 at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Convert match times to Italy time for local scheduling.