Italy’s Jasmine Paolini began her 2025 Australian Open campaign with a commanding 6-0, 6-4 victory over Chinese qualifier Wei Sijia on Margaret Court Arena. The win, achieved in just over an hour, marked a confident start for Paolini as she looks to build on her stellar 2024 season.
Paolini’s 2024 Success Sets the Stage
Paolini’s breakthrough last year elevated her to the forefront of women’s tennis. The 29-year-old reached the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, won a women’s doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics alongside Sara Errani, and helped Italy clinch its fifth Billie Jean King Cup title.
Returning to Melbourne Park, where she reached the fourth round in 2024 after previously never winning a main-draw match, Paolini reflected on her newfound confidence:
“Last year I came here, like, ‘Please, I want to win a match at this Slam,'” she said with a laugh. “Then it happened, so I was a little bit 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 looms as a potential hurdle before a possible semi-final clash with world number two Iga Swiatek.
Paolini will next face Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in the second round, aiming to continue her strong form.
Handling Pressure in 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.
Though Wei saved a match point at 5-3, Paolini closed out the match in the next game with a cross-court 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 on the Rise
Paolini’s success mirrors the rise of Italian tennis on the global 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 U.S. Open, giving Italy a presence in every Grand Slam final of the year.
With Paolini now in prime form and buoyed by her 2024 achievements, Italian tennis enthusiasts may have more to cheer for in 2025. Could this be the year she claims her first Grand Slam title? Only time will tell.