Paolini, who will compete in Sunday’s women’s doubles final alongside compatriot Sara Errani, against Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova, had never been beyond the second round at Roland-Garros prior to this year. She demonstrated an eye-opening level in reaching the final, particularly in her three-set takedown of fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina, a woman who had won 20 of 21 matches on clay prior to their quarter-final showdown.
Her semi-final, a 6-3, 6-1 virtuoso victory over teenager Mirra Andreeva was a sight to behold as well.
‘Take chances when the chances are coming’
Now that she’s been to a Grand Slam final, what comes next for the Tuscan?
Paolini knows the future is unpredictable, but believes that if she continues working with the passion and dedication that has helped her make such big strides this season, she can be even better.
“To play a Grand Slam final, it’s beautiful,” she said. “Let’s see what the future will bring to me. Throughout this year I have been more consistent, I think that helped me to also take chances when the chances are coming.”
The 28-year-old may have a Grand Slam final and a top-10 ranking to her name now, but the success won’t change her approach to her tennis in the months and years to come.
“We still try to improve,” she said. “Because I think it’s the most important thing to step on court every day and try to improve and to keep this consistency. Because if you stop I think the consistency will stop with you.”