What Surprises Jasmine Paolini the Most About Her 2024 Success?

The Italian is having another pinch-me moment at Wimbledon, but is taking it all in stride.
During her post-match press conference at Wimbledon on Thursday, after coming through the longest women’s semifinal in tournament history, Italian Jasmine Paolini was asked what she would think if somebody told her last year that she would be playing back to back finals at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon?

Easy question…

“You are crazy, I would say, yes,” she said.

Paolini, one of two Italians to showcase the level of class talent that is percolating behind World No.1 Jannik Sinner by reaching the semis this Wimbledon fortnight (the other being Lorenzo Musetti), was also asked what has surprised her the most about herself during this impressive season that has season her become the first Italian to reach a Wimbledon final, and just the fifth woman in the last 25 years to reach the finals at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same season.

She says it is her ability to take everything in stride that has surprised her the most.

“Two Grand Slam finals in a row was crazy to believe, I think, no?” she said, adding: “I’m also surprised at how at the moment, until now in this moment, I’m living this.

Paolini says she has basically gone about her work as she normally does, just staying switched into tournament mode, taking things as they come.

The No.7 seed hopes she can continue that way, but admits that it might be tough to handle the nerves when she waks out on Centre Court for the women’s final against Barbora Krejcikova on Saturday.

Helpful, of course, is the fact that she walked out onto Court Philippe-Chatrier just over a month ago, and played her heart out against Iga Swiatek in her maiden Grand Slam final. She lost, but the experience will certainly help Paolini on Saturday.

“I feel maybe Saturday I will be so nervous, I don’t know,” she said. “But I feel also relaxed. I’m the same person. I’m doing the same things. I’m surprised a little bit how I’m managing this. I don’t want to say more because maybe Saturday I’m going to be shaking. I’m surprised by myself to live this with really relaxing mood, you know?”

Absolutely fantastic!!! I’m so happy with this win. I will remember this match forever! It was a roller coaster. Thank you for cheering for me!! 🇮🇹😀@Wimbledon 📷: ITF pic.twitter.com/bDLG59MMA3

— Jasmine Paolini (@JasminePaolini) July 11, 2024

To say that Paolini’s success comes as a surprise would be the understatement of the 2024 season. The Italian turned 28 on January 24. To put it in perspective we can talk about her record at the majors before her 28th birthday. She entered the season with a 4-16 lifetime record at the majors and had never been beyond the second round in any Grand Slam singles draw.

This year Paolini leads all women with 15 (15-2) singles wins at the Grand Slams. She also reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open before making back to back finals in Paris and Wimbledon.

She was asked if she was inspired by other Italian women – late bloomers like Francesca Schiavone, who reached her maiden Grand Slam final at the age of 29, Flavia Pennetta, who won her maiden major title at 33, and Robert Vinci, who made her maiden major final at 32.

Jasmine Paolini, the first Italian woman to reach a #Wimbledon singles final 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/4N7zWOGEBs

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024

Paolini has frequently said that she wants to carve out her own story, separate from any other players. She says she’d like to be one of the players that inspires the next generation to believe in themselves.

“I don’t want to compare too much because I’m writing my own story, my own career,” she said. “But I remember the Grand Slam finals that they made. I think it’s really important also for the next generation, having people that can do great things. They can show you that it’s possible. That’s really important I think.”

Paolini was quick to admit, however, that the rise of Sinner and many of her compatriots has created a positive competitive environment for all Italians.

“I think now we are many Italians doing great things,” she said. “I think we are inspiring each other, no?

“Also, I have to say in Italy there are many, many tournaments, like challengers, ITF, juniors. I think every player shows that something can be possible. Jannik is showing that.

“He’s doing unbelievable things. I think he lost three matches this year (now four), so it’s unbelievable to have him in that position. I think it helps all the movement behind. Now we have many, many players that are doing really, really well, apart from Sinner, of course.”