French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini shares simple plan to beat Iga Swiatek
Jasmine Paolini will be the overwhelming underdog when she faces Iga Swiatek in the French Open final.
Pocket rocket Jasmine Paolini has a plan for the biggest task in tennis - taking down Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros. “I will hit the ball as hard as I can - and keep smiling,” promised the No.12 seed.
Related articles
World No.1 Swiatek is the red hot favourite to complete a hat-trick of titles here and win her fifth Grand Slam today. She is 4-0 in Major finals
Paolini had not got past the second round of a Grand Slam before this January;s Australian Open and will now enter the top ten for the first time at the age of 28.
She is also through to the women’s doubles final with her fellow Italian Sara Errani.
Her beaming smile has lit up the rain-hit tournament - and she claimed she is ready for the biggest match of her life.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Iga is a very tough opponent,” said the Tuscan. “She is an incredible player - a great champion. She is trying to win three times in a row.
"I have to go on the court and enjoy myself, take advantage of the good moment I am in and try and hit the ball as hard as I can - and keep smiling.
“Honestly, I smile a lot. When I'm not smiling, it means that I'm not feeling great. My coach is always worried when I don't smile in practice or a match.”
Paolini, who is 5’4”, admitted: “I wish I was taller, because I could serve better. but it's ok that I'm not.”
Related articles
The Italian compensates for her lack of size with great speed around the court. And the Polish speaker, who chats with Swiatek in her mother tongue, credits her African ancestry for her athleticism.
“I'm proud to have different bloods in my body,” she said. “Of course I'm feeling Italian - I was born in Italy.
“My mom is Polish, but my grandfather is from Ghana. I think I'm fast because of Ghana!”
