Jasmine Paolini, the first Italian player in the Open Era to reach the Round of 16 in each of the first three Women’s Singles Grand Slam events of a season, is of Ghanaian heritage.
This year, the 28-year-old tennis star made history by advancing to the fourth round at Wimbledon, a tournament with a 147-year legacy.
Her journey at the tournament ended with a loss to Barbora Krejcikova. However, Paolini has joined the ranks of Steffi Graf, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams as one of the few women this century to reach the singles finals at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.
Paolini’s multicultural background adds to her unique charm. In a press conference following her loss to Iga Swiatek in the French Open final last month, she said, “I’m proud to have different bloods in my body. I’m Italian, born in Italy, but my mom is Polish, and my grandfather is from Ghana. I think I’m fast because of Ghana… I can speak Polish, and I think it’s something more to have in your person, it’s a plus.”
Earlier this year, Paolini had also shared her thoughts on her heritage with BNPParibasOpen.com, noting, “Maybe I feel like I’m fast on court because of my Ghanaian heritage. From Poland, I have determination, and of course, I also have the Italian energy. It’s a mix, and I’m really proud of it.”
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She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open, won her biggest title in Dubai, and finished as runner-up at Roland-Garros. These successes have propelled her from outside the world’s top 30 to her current career-high ranking of world No. 7. She is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach two consecutive Grand Slam finals.
Paolini had never won a tour-level match on grass before this year. Her breakthrough came with a run to her first Wimbledon final, including a victory over Croatian Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history on July 11.
After her final match, Paolini expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “When I was little, I watched this fantastic tournament on TV. Playing in the final here is a lifetime memory. I didn’t win, but it’s still a good day. Thanks to everyone cheering for me — family, team, and sponsors.”
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