There's no question that Italian sensation Jasmine Paolini is enjoying the best stretch of tennis in her career over the past 18 months. Aside from Jannik Sinner on the ATP side, Paolini might be crafting together the best stretch across the tennis landscape.
Capturing the Italian Open in singles and doubles is Paolini's latest spectacular feat, but it was set up by securing a slew of titles in 2024, her breakout year. She picked up five titles, four in doubles and one in singles. Add to that a Grand Slam runner-up twice. Her big '24 entrance onto the scene led to three more titles this year, and she is in a perfect position to keep winning.
With the French Open less than a week away, Paolini walks into Roland Garros fresh off two titles in one weekend. It's launched her into the favourites category to win her inaugural Grand Slam in Paris.
Jasmine Paolini can check off the biggest box with Paris win
Regarding Grand Slams, Paolini is no stranger to the final match. She played in the French Open final last year and made another final appearance at Wimbledon. She's made it to the doorstep but has yet to kick the door down.
There is no doubt Paolini can make it to the end, but winning at the end is her next box to check off. She can also undoubtedly overcome other top-ranked players, such as Coco Gauff, whom she defeated in Rome. A Grand Slam win is closer to Paolini's clutches than ever before, and her experience in Italy might be the strongest momentum swing she's had yet.
Paolini is a late bloomer, being 29 years old and only now rushing onto the scene. But if anyone knows a thing or two about winning later in her career, Paolini can look to Madison Keys, who finally claimed her first slam title at 31. Keys is only five months clear of winning the Australian Open after over a decade of being on the tour.
When the French Open kicks off next week, it will mark one year since Paolini's finals run there. This time around, on the heels of a fantastic clay season run to date, she is every bit a contender to win in Paris. To further hype up Paolini's rapid rise, somehow it feels like her career has only just begun.