Paolini Advances to Rome Final for the First Time
Paolini defeated Stearns in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Rome (7-5, 6-1).
Trailing 1-4 and then 3-5, Paolini managed to turn the tide and clinch the first set against the American. The two players engaged in a fierce battle, combining for nearly 12 break points. The second set unfolded differently, as the Italian quickly took control. Dominant on her first serves, Paolini left her opponent almost no opportunities, sealing the match in 1 hour and 39 minutes.
After a hard-fought three-set victory over Shnaider in the previous round, the world No. 5 continues her impressive run in the capital and aims to extend her streak of nine wins in 11 clay-court matches this season. This also marks her second WTA 1000 final, following Dubai in 2024. She becomes the third Italian woman to reach a Rome final after Raffaella Reggi (1985) and Sara Errani (2014).
In the final, she will face the winner of the match between Gauff and Zheng.
