Errani thanks Paolini: "She helped me realize my dreams".

At 37, Sara Errani is very close to the top 100 in singles, and has always been an excellent doubles player.

And just as well, since the former French Open finalist won Olympic gold this summer on the clay courts of Paris, teaming up with Jasmine Paolini.

Speaking to Il Corriere Dello Sport, Errani spoke highly of the current WTA world number 4.

"I must surely say thank you to Jasmine because she has helped me realize my dreams. I must also thank her for the effort she has made.

I know how hard it is to play singles and doubles, it's not easy at all.

There are a lot of situations in which you might like to rest, recharge your batteries, and instead she's always devoted a lot of her time to doubles too.

And that's something to take into account. But Jasmine also has me to thank for having this vision.

Last year, I felt we could do this course in Paris. You could say that, inside, I had a good feeling," she assures us.