Paolini becomes first home player in 40 years to win Italian Open title

Jasmine Paolini took advantage of the crowd's support and beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to become the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years on Saturday.

- 

With top-ranked Jannik Sinner to play Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final on Sunday, Italy could earn their first sweep of the Rome singles titles.

The last Italian woman to win the open was Raffaella Reggi in 1985 in Taranto. The last local mantoraise the trophy was Adriano Panatta in 1976.

When Paolini hit a big serve down on her second championship point and Gauff couldn't get it back, Paolini celebrated with a big smile and raised her arms as she spun around in joy.

“It doesn't seem real to me,” Paolini said.

“I came here as a kid to see this tournament but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn't even in my dreams.”