Jasmine Paolini and how a change in mindset can unlock all your potential

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Going from being part of the top 30 to reaching the final of two Grand Slams and seeing yourself at the top of women's tennis is not easy. It requires an impressive mental effort to contextualize your new successes and at the same time keep pushing yourself to achieve more. It is precisely that, the mindset, that has helped Jasmine Paolini become one of the big names on the WTA circuit, reaching the WTA Finals 2024 for the first time and establishing herself as one of the most improved players of the season.

The reasons to single her out in this way are many. Not only has she made a jump of almost 60 positions in less than two years, but also going into 2024 with just one minor title in her record: the leap in competitive level, at all levels, is scandalous. Paolini has gone from never reaching the third round in a Grand Slam to making it to two consecutive finals, possibly in the two most iconic venues in the tennis world, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. How can we explain this? A shift in mindset, freeing herself by trusting her tennis, is behind this impressive progression.

"Now my mindset is a bit different. Before, I was a bit scared of passing the first round of a tournament, but now I go to tournaments thinking that I will easily win that first round and, moreover, I will strive to go further, to reach higher. These are very different thoughts. Before, I was afraid of having consecutive first-round losses: now, if that happens, it happens, and it's okay, because I also know that incredible things can happen," notes Paolini with a smile to The National, who is now a favorite in every first round and makes consistency and reliability her hallmark.

HER PARTNERSHIP WITH ERRANI AND A CONTAGIOUS SMILE

Jasmine Paolini's success is not limited to singles. The doubles discipline has greatly aided her progression, forming a spectacular partnership with Sara Errani capable of conquering, among other achievements, the Olympic gold medal. Sharing the court with her compatriot and learning from her routines has played an important role in Paolini's evolution, especially given the physical similarities between them (Jasmine, let's remember, stands at just 1.63 meters).

"I started playing better towards the end of last year, and doubles helped me a lot. Talking to Sara every day helps me greatly. She has had an incredible career and is very smart on the court. She helps me understand this sport and the situations that occur on the court much better. What I try to learn most from her is the tactical part of tennis. I think Sara loves this sport more than anyone on the circuit, she has devotion to tennis. Winning the gold medal with her was amazing. It may have been even bigger than the Grand Slam finals, because many people in Italy went crazy over this medal, and they are not necessarily tennis fans," emphasizes Paolini, who has unintentionally become a true ambassador of the sport in her country.

The growth of tennis in Italy, logically, deserves a few words from the Castelnuovo di Garfagnana native. "It's great to be able to inspire the new generation. Also, it's fantastic to have a female example, with men like Sinner, Musetti, and many more. I just hope to be able to set a positive example," says Paolini with laughter. That almost contagious attitude is one of the qualities that the public admires the most, a characteristic she cannot escape from and of which she is truly proud.

"I hope people enjoy my tennis, think I'm a good person, a good example. I guess they want me to smile, and I try to do it, that's just how I am, I smile a lot, and I'm glad that smile connects with people. I think it comes from my mother, who is very cheerful. My parents have made me realize that I'm lucky and I can't complain about anything. I always try to see the glass as half full, not half empty," she says. An example of overcoming obstacles who aims to end the season on a high note at the WTA Finals 2024, where she already achieved a victorious debut.

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