2024 has been a memorable season for Jasmine Paolini in singles and doubles, and her latest heroics at the China Open with Sara Errani earned her a ranking achievement.
Paolini had never passed the second round of a Grand Slam in singles or the third round in doubles at the start of 2024. She improved her game in 2023 but was not a player expected to challenge at the most significant tournaments.
However, Paolini has confounded those expectations with an outstanding season. In February, she stormed to her first WTA 1000 title in singles at the Dubai Tennis Championships, beating Anna Kalinskaya in a thrilling final.
The 28-year-old reached her maiden Grand Slam singles final at the French Open a few months later. Her run included triumphs against Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva before she lost to Iga Swiatek.
Paolini then made the Wimbledon final, which was an even bigger shock than what she achieved at the French Open. Her final-set tie-break win against Donna Vekic in the semifinal was one of the matches of the season, but she fell in three sets to Barbora Krejcikova in the final.
Despite how painful those losses were, Paolini has been one of the best women's singles performers at Grand Slams. Yet, the Italian has also produced heroics in doubles with her experienced compatriot Sara Errani.
Paolini and Errani won a gold medal in the women's doubles at the Olympics. They defeated Andreeva and Diana Shnaider 2-6, 6-1, 10-7, with Errani in particular shining in the match's closing stages.
The duo were also the runners-up at the French Open, and they won the WTA 1000 tournament on home soil at the Italian Open. That made the China Open title run their second WTA 1000 title of 2024.
Paolini's very likable nature has made her a fan favorite during her outstanding performances. She is always friendly during interviews and fan interactions, as well as an energetic presence on the court who never gives up, regardless of the score.
That means fans will be pleased to hear about Paolini's latest rankings achievement. She has been in the Top 10 in singles for several months. The Italian was No. 5 before the China Open but dropped to No. 6 after Coco Gauff's run to the singles title in Beijing.
Paolini also entered the Top 10 in the doubles rankings after winning the China Open title with Errani. That makes her the only current man or woman to be in the Top 10 in the singles and doubles rankings.
Many players have recently spoken out against the length and grueling nature of the tennis calendar despite most of them only playing in singles. That makes Paolini's achievements in singles and doubles more impressive.
It is also refreshing to see a top singles player take doubles seriously. Paula Badosa and Karolina Muchova were heavily criticized by one of their opponents for withdrawing after winning in the first round of the doubles in Beijing, something singles players often do.
Paolini cannot be accused of doing that. The Olympic gold medalist's commitment to success in doubles with Errani has been proven.