Jasmine Paolini’s 2024 season was a revelation in women’s tennis. The Italian star, once an outsider on the WTA Tour, firmly established herself among the elite with career-defining performances across all surfaces. Her ascension from a mid-ranked contender to world No. 4 demonstrated not just her undeniable talent but also her resilience, adaptability, and ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stages.
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As the 2025 season approaches, former doubles world No. 1 and prominent tennis analyst Rennae Stubbs has made a bold prediction: Paolini will remain a force to be reckoned with, securing a consistent place in the WTA Top 10. Stubbs also highlighted Paolini’s diverse skill set and unwavering determination, suggesting she has the tools to challenge for major titles once again.
Jasmine Paolini’s Breakthrough in 2024
Entering 2024, Paolini was ranked No. 29 in the world, a respectable position but far from the sport’s upper echelon. Few predicted the breakout year she would have. Over the course of 12 months, Paolini not only won high-profile matches but consistently delivered at the sport’s toughest events. She reached the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, cementing her reputation as a player capable of excelling across surfaces. Additionally, her victory in women’s doubles at the Olympic Games alongside Sara Errani underscored her versatility and skill under pressure.
Paolini’s rise mirrored the success of her countryman Jannik Sinner, who dominated the ATP Tour in 2024. Together, the two Italians reignited a golden era for Italian tennis, drawing comparisons to the glory days of Italian sporting greats.
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Rennae Stubbs, in a recent episode of her podcast, emphasized Paolini’s impressive consistency and competitive mindset, noting that 2024 was not an anomaly but the beginning of a sustained period of success.
“She understands now that this is her time,” Stubbs said. “At 28, she’s at her peak physically and mentally. I think she knows she has about three or four years to maximize her game, and I expect her to remain in the Top 10 throughout 2025.”
The Keys to Paolini’s Success: A Game Without Weakness
One of the standout aspects of Paolini’s game is her all-court versatility. Unlike many players who specialize on specific surfaces, Paolini has proven she can adapt her game to clay, grass, and hard courts. Her runs to the French Open final on clay and the Wimbledon final on grass are a testament to her adaptability and intelligent shot-making.
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Rennae Stubbs praised this aspect of Paolini’s game, highlighting her ability to seamlessly transition between styles of play. “She’s a true all-court player,” Stubbs said. “She can attack, defend, and finish points at the net. There’s no obvious weakness in her game. Her volleys are sharp, and she has an aggressive mindset that helps her dictate rallies.”
However, one area that has occasionally come under scrutiny is Paolini’s serve. Standing at 5’4” (163 cm), her physical stature does not lend itself to overpowering serves like those of taller competitors such as Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina. Paolini’s first-serve speed averages around 97.3 miles per hour, which is below the WTA Tour average. Despite this, her serve has proven remarkably effective. In 2024, 22% of her first serves went unreturned, a clear improvement over previous years.
Stubbs addressed this perceived weakness, stating that Paolini’s serve has become a surprisingly effective weapon. “For someone of her size, her serve is very solid,” Stubbs explained. “She doesn’t rely on free points, but she places her serves smartly, and her second serve isn’t easy to attack. It’s a big reason why she’s been so successful against stronger opponents.”
A Mental and Physical Peak
While talent and technique are critical, Paolini’s success in 2024 was as much about her mental and physical maturity as it was about her skills. At 28 years old, she has hit a sweet spot in her career where experience, physical conditioning, and self-belief have aligned perfectly. Paolini’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and remain focused on court has been a key factor in her rise.
Stubbs emphasized this point, noting the confidence Paolini now exudes. “Jasmine’s belief in herself has grown so much. She knows she belongs at the top, and you can see that confidence in the way she plays. She’s aggressive, she’s proactive, and she doesn’t hesitate to take her chances.”
This newfound confidence was most evident in her run at Wimbledon, where Paolini defeated multiple higher-ranked opponents with poise and determination. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and execute her game plan has made her a formidable opponent for even the biggest names in women’s tennis.
What to Expect in 2025: Stubbs’ Prediction
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Rennae Stubbs believes Paolini will maintain her position in the WTA Top 10. She expects Paolini to build on her success and compete for titles at the Grand Slams and other major tournaments. “It’s tough to stay at the top, but Jasmine has shown she has the consistency to do it,” Stubbs said. “Her game translates well to every surface, and she has proven she can go toe-to-toe with anyone.”
Stubbs added that Paolini’s game is particularly well-suited to clay courts, making her a strong contender at the French Open once again. However, she also believes Paolini’s improvements on grass and hard courts will make her a threat at Wimbledon and the US Open as well.
“The only thing that might hold her back is facing players who can overpower her, but Jasmine has shown she can outthink and outmaneuver those opponents. She’s a fighter, and I expect her to have another fantastic year.”
Conclusion: A Star Ready to Shine Even Brighter
Jasmine Paolini’s rise to the top has been a story of perseverance, skill, and self-belief. Her success in 2024 demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level, and with her game continuing to evolve, the best may still be yet to come. As Rennae Stubbs predicts, 2025 could see Paolini further cementing her status as one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour.
With her adaptability, intelligent shot-making, and unshakable determination, Paolini is not just a star of Italian tennis but a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Her journey is far from over, and fans can look forward to seeing her challenge for tennis’s most prestigious titles in the years ahead.
