Jasmine Paolini produced a scintillating display as she blew away Coco Gauff in straight sets to end a 40-year wait for a home winner of the women’s singles at the Italian Open.
Roared on by a partisan crowd at the Foro Italico in Rome, Paolini triumphed 6-4 6-2 against Gauff of the United States.
Paolini, who was a surprise finalist at the French Open and Wimbledon last year, wrapped up victory on the clay in one hour and 29 minutes.
The 29-year-old was the first Italian woman to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
Neither player was able to hold serve in the opening three games before Paolini’s nerves eventually settled as she took a 3-1 lead.
That was the point at which Paolini upped the ante as she closed out the set in emphatic fashion.
Paolini raced into a 3-0 lead in the second set with two early breaks before Gauff claimed a break back and then managed to hold her serve.
However, Gauff was unable to wrestle momentum back her way as Paolini swaggered through the remainder of the set.
Guaff saved one match point but at 40-30 Paolini, who was born in Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany, sealed victory with an unstoppable serve right down the middle of the court.
Paolini’s victory will ensure she moves up a place to fourth in the world rankings next week.
