Jasmine Paolini delivered a gritty performance to defeat Coco Gauff 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 and reach her first-ever semifinal at the Cincinnati Open. The Italian rallied from a set down and overcame an ankle scare to secure the biggest hard-court win of her season. The match lasted just over two hours and featured dramatic swings, with Paolini breaking Gauff seven times despite losing her own serve on multiple occasions.
Fighting spirit and crowd appreciation
After the match, Paolini shared her emotions and reflected on the battle. “I tried to fight every point and it worked. I’m really happy,” she said. Playing against the American on home soil, Paolini acknowledged the support from the crowd. “Thank you for cheering for me… because we are in the States… Coco is from here. Thank you as well for cheering for me.” Her humility and gratitude resonated with fans, many of whom applauded her resilience and sportsmanship.
Gauff struggles with serve
Gauff’s performance was marred by 16 double faults and 62 unforced errors, continuing a troubling trend from her previous tournaments. Despite a dominant first set, her serve deteriorated in the second and third, allowing Paolini to take control. The American’s frustration was visible, and she will need to regroup ahead of the upcoming US Open.
Next challenge: Veronika Kudermetova
Paolini will face Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal. The Russian advanced after a convincing win over Varvara Gracheva and has a 3-1 head-to-head record against Paolini. Their last meeting came in Cincinnati in 2021, with Kudermetova winning in straight sets. Paolini acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup but expressed confidence in her current form, saying she hopes to make it a competitive encounter.
A breakthrough season continues
This marks Paolini’s third WTA 1000 semifinal of the year, following her success in Rome and a strong run through the summer. Her victory over Gauff adds to a growing list of achievements in 2025, and she now stands just one win away from a place in the final. With her fighting spirit and rising momentum, Paolini is proving she belongs among the elite.
Jasmine Paolini after beating Coco Gauff to reach 1st Cincinnati SF
“I tried to fight every point & it worked. I’m really happy. Thank you for cheering for me.. because we are in the States.. Coco is from here. Thank you as well for cheering for me.” ❤️
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 16, 2025
Paolini in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
WLLLLWWLLW Currently ranked no.9, Paolini has a 32-13 match record in 2025. Jasmine is now competing in Cincinnati where she bested the world no.65 Maria Sakkari 7-6(2) 7-6(5), the world no.35 Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(2) 6-1, the world no.80 Barbora Krejcikova 6-1 6-2 and the world no.2 Cori Gauff 2-6 6-4 6-3.
Jasmine Paolini will square off with the world no.36 Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal. Their head to head is 3-1 for Kudermetova.
Paolini conquered 1 title in 2025 in Rome.
Cori Gauff in 2025
Currently ranked no.2 (career-high), the American played her last match on the 15th of August when she lost to world no.9 Jasmine Paolini 2-6 6-4 6-3 in the quarter in Cincinnati (draw).
This season Coco has achieved an overall 35-12 match record. The American clinched 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. The American got to the final in Madrid and Rome.
Jasmine Paolini and Cori Gauff squared off 5 times. Their actual record is 3-2 for Paolini.
