2024 has been a year of transformation for Jasmine Paolini. The Italian, previously unknown on the Grand Slam stage, defied expectations with a run to the Australian Open fourth round. But that was just the beginning. Paolini’s meteoric rise continued with a historic win at the prestigious Dubai WTA 1000 tournament, her first at that level. Now, standing tall at the French Open, Paolini finds herself facing a familiar challenge: overcoming opponents with a significant height advantage. But as her recent success suggests, Paolini has a “secret weapon”, a strategy that transcends physical stature.

On the WTA Tour, where towering players have often gained a special advantage, Jasmine Paolini stands only 5 feet 4 inches. But that has not stopped the 28-year-old player from achieving milestones in her career. A glimpse of that was observed during her latest post-match press conference video posted by the Tennis Actu TV channel on YouTube. When the reporter asked her, “Is it intimidating for someone who, with all due respect, is not as big as your opponent today and some of the new players? Or is it kind of like a secret weapon that you have?”

The Dubai Tennis Championships winner firmly replied, “Secret weapon, no. (smiling)I mean, I wish I was taller or because I could serve better, but I think I accept that I have to do it with my own body. I mean, I am short, okay. We try to don’t make it a problem. We try to do something different to improve other aspects like serve. But I mean I wish I was taller. But it’s okay. I am not. So we have to do with what I have.”

It was this positive mindset of hers that has allowed her to defy all expectations and redefine success on the court, even when she battled with Rybakina, who is 6 feet tall. Showcasing her resilience and skill, she overpowered her on-court with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. By doing this, Paolini not only secured her place in the first Grand Slam semi final of her career, but also became the fourth Italian woman to do so. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” she later admitted. 

Even the history of women’s tennis has seen the excellence of comparatively short players. A big example in this regard is Billie Jean King, who was only 5 feet 5 inches. However, her physical limitations did not hinder her growth in tennis, as she achieved 39 Grand Slams in her career. Only an inch shorter than King, Jasmine Paolini is also focusing on her game rather than her lack of height. But her war is not over yet.

She is soon going to face the 17-year-old Russian tennis pro, Mirra Andreeva, who is also 5 feet 9 inches tall. But, for now, the former world No. 12 wants to celebrate her latest victory.

Jasmine Paolini describes her “perfect day” in Roland Garros

Jasmine Paolini was on fire in Rome when she, along with her doubles partner Sara Errani, won the Italian Open doubles category. But now it is time to create the same magic at the French Open. However, this time, it is both the singles and the doubles that she is continuing to rock. She has qualified for the semifinals in both categories. Therefore, it was a moment of double celebration for the Italian.

“Yeah, today was the perfect day, I think, singles and doubles. The singles was a really tough match. I’m happy I managed to come back in the third set, because, you know, was tough after the second set. But, yeah, I’m really happy with my performance, and I’m also happy for the doubles, of course,” she said after defeating Rybakina in the singles and Elena Gabriela and Marta Kostyuk in the doubles match.

Right now, the focus is on her next round in Paris. As she continues to show her incredible prowess on-court, Jasmine Paolini has certainly proved one thing. Determination and self-belief can alter one’s fate, regardless of physical limitations!