French Open: Jasmine Paolini Opens Up on Sara Errani’s Unparalleled Impact in Driving Her to Italian Glory

In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, having a seasoned player by your side is akin to having a trusted mentor. For Jasmine Paolini, this has made all the difference in her breakthrough season. As she savors one of the most successful periods of her career, much of the credit for her achievements goes to her coach, Renzo Furlan. Yet, Paolini herself has shed light on another pivotal influence: her compatriot, Sara Errani.

Jasmine Paolini is experiencing a standout season not only in women’s singles at Roland Garros but also in doubles. Alongside Sara Errani, Paolini has reached the finals of the women’s doubles and the two will be competing against Coco Gauff and Kateřina Siniaková in their final clash of the tournament.  In a post-match interview after defeating Mirra Andreeva, the Italian star acknowledged that Sara Errani is as crucial to her as her coach Renzo Furlan.

When asked about how Sara and Renzo have helped her, she said that both are helping her a lot. “And of course Sara, yes, it’s helping me a lot. Also, playing doubles with her helps me a lot,” she said. Highlighting Sara’s friendly nature, she mentioned that she often seeks advice from the star player. “I think, yeah, I can ask her some advices and I think it’s really a smart person to have close, you know. So it’s something positive of course for me and my team as well.”

Before Jasmine revealed how talking with Sara during practice session has helped her a lot, the journalist pointed out that it is a new territory for Renzo and not for Sara. The 37-year-old has a better track record on the clay courts, having been a runner-up in 2012, a semi-finalist in 2013, and a quarter-finalist in 2014 and 2015. In contrast, Furlan reached the quarterfinals only once, in 1995. Moreover, Errani’s career-high singles ranking was 5, while Furlan’s was 19. 

However, Paolini also acknowledged Renzo’s importance in her career, particularly in overcoming her nervousness. “I was a little bit nervous in the practice. Things weren’t going so well in the practice so, you know there was a little bit of tension, but then we spoke a lot with Renzo, to try to understand more about myself, my, my feelings,” she said.

Jasmine Paolini’s high regard for her doubles partner is not new, as the two have shared a close bond throughout their careers. As they prepare for their finals, Paolini’s appreciation for both Sara Errani and Renzo Furlan underscores the supportive team dynamics that have contributed to her successful season.

Jasmine Paolini’s short yet close bond with Sara Errani

Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani began their partnership about two seasons ago, quickly forming a deep bond and enjoying a magnificent season together. This year alone, they have won two titles in the doubles category, at the Linz Open and the Italian Open, out of three finals appearances. Paolini has consistently praised Sara’s influence and experience.

Reflecting on their partnership, she had earlier noted, “With her, I can talk about tennis, I can ask her strategies but also advice. How to step on-court, what can I play today to play better. It’s somebody that I think can help me so much.” Sara’s past experience, including playing in Grand Slam finals, has been invaluable to Jasmine.

However, the duo now faces a formidable challenge in the finals against Coco Gauff and Kateřina Siniaková. Can Jasmine and Sara clinch their third victory of the season together? Only time will tell, but the bond and synergy they have developed could be the key to their success.