“I was so excited!” In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, a tale of youthful exuberance and tennis dreams unfolded as Jasmine Paolini, the rising star of Italian tennis, embarked on her first trip to the bustling metropolis. The occasion? Her very first participation in the iconic US Open, an event etched in the history of her remarkable career.

The Italian tennis sensation, making her debut in 2015, is in the midst of one of her most astonishing seasons to date. Despite her five previous attempts at the French Open, Paolini had never managed to break past the second round—until now. This season, however, is a game-changer for her, as she prepares to step onto the Roland Garros court for her very first semifinal match, brimming with hope and determination. But how did this journey go from humble dreams to playing on the world stage?

In a candid interview that appeared on WTAtennis.com in 2022 Jasmine Paolini shared a glimpse into her early days. She talked about the time when she was just like any other teenager, wide-eyed and full of dreams.

Recounting her first trip to New York in 2013, she shared her excitement about participating in the US Open as a junior. “That was my first trip,” she reminisced, with the same wonder that captures every visitor to the city of dreams. Paolini fondly recalled staying out until 1 AM, accompanied by “another good player,” painting a picture of youthful camaraderie.

Before her trip to New York at the age of 18, the European player’s only encounters with the iconic city had been through the lens of Hollywood. Reflecting on this, she remarked, “I think for European people, watching so many U.S. movies, it’s something that you dream. It’s not normal for us.“

For any newcomer to the Big Apple, a visit to Times Square is practically a rite of passage—an experience of grandeur and fame that simply cannot be missed. Jasmine and her friend were no exception to this rule. “I remember that we went straight to Times Square because we wanted to see the lights,” she recalled with excitement.

Her friend, equally mesmerized by the beauty of the city, had exclaimed, “Oh! I saw this in a movie, Friends With Benefits.” Together, they ventured into the vibrant chaos of Times Square, making a beeline for the M&M shop. “We ate so many candies,” she laughed, fondly reminiscing about their sweet indulgence.

This encounter could probably come in Jasmine’s life because she chose tennis over anything else!

Jasmine Paolini had the option to choose between two sports

The Italian sensation revealed that she started playing tennis at the tender age of five. Born in a small city in Tuscany, Jasmine Paolini was given a choice by her parents between tennis and swimming.

“I remember that my father and my mother told me, you have to choose one sport to do,” Paolini recounted. She also acknowledged that it was her uncle Adriano who brought her closer to the sport. “In Bagni Di Lucca, there was only tennis or a swimming pool, and because of my uncle, who was playing tennis, I decided to go play. We were like a big family, and I had friends there. It was really nice.“

Now, the Italian star is set to face Andreeva in the ongoing French Open. Only time will tell if she can add another feather to her cap or if her journey at Roland Garros this year will end at the semifinals.