This has the potential to be an enthralling clash between two adept clay-court operators. Jasmine Paolini got her Rome adventure off to a positive start, withstanding a big-serving barrage from Lulu Sun to advance 6-4, 6-3.
2025 WTA Tour
WTA 1000
Italian Open
Foro Italico, Rome, Italy (Outdoor Clay)
Selected Round of 32 Matches- 10th May
Jasmine Paolini (6) 0.48 vs Ons Jabeur (27) 1.6
This marks the first time in her career that she has advanced to the 3rd round in Rome (though she did win the doubles event last season playing alongside Sara Errani). A runner-up at last year’s French Open, Paolini is a dynamic clay-court player, with superb athleticism and exceptional variety. She started this season slowly but came into her own in recent months, picking up back-to-back semifinal finishes in Miami and Stuttgart. She suffered a bit of a setback in Madrid, pulverized by hard-hitting Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-1. But Paolini should feel quite confident on these slow surfaces. She is one of the best movers on tour and her forehand can penetrate the court. Her sliced backhand is also a brilliant weapon in slow, uneven conditions.
Ons Jabeur’s injury issues have mounted, leading to some abject form (she is 1-4 in her four events leading into this tournament). She will probably be secretly pleased that Petra Kvitova- her opening round opponent- had to withdraw due to injury. The trailblazing Tunisian- a three-time Grand Slam runner-up- has struggled to recapture the form that catapulted her to No.2 in the world in 2022. Still, there is no denying her prodigious talent. At her peak, Jabeur is one of the finest clay-court players on the women’s tour, using her stellar variety to outwit opponents. She has a beautifully disguised drop-shot and can slice the ball off both wings. She also has the capacity to up the tempo when required. However, it remains to be seen if her body can withstand the grind of this sluggish red clay. The five-time clay-court has thrived in these conditions in the past, finishing runner-up here back in 2022.
The Verdict: Paolini to win in straight sets at 1.07- This has been an intense rivalry, with both players sitting on two wins apiece. Paolini won their recent meeting in Miami, with Jabeur having to withdraw due to a calf issue. They have split their clay-court meetings 1-1. So, there is little to split these two from a historical perspective. This is going to be a tough assignment for Jabeur. Paolini is an athletic demon who wont be overawed by Jabeur’s variety. She will chase down drop-shots and return slices with interest.
