Last month was tough for Italian WTA star Jasmine Paolini. Apart from facing an early round exit at Wimbledon, she went through another massive setback. “I’ve decided to make a change. I’ve learned a lot and made good progress. And now I’m taking the time to reflect on what the next step will be. Thank you again, Marc, for everything.” After just three months, Paolini chose to part ways with former trainer Marc Lopez. He had arrived to fill in previous coach Renzo Furlan’s shoes. But it didn’t happen. And now it looks like the woes are going to continue for the former Wimbledon finalist. Her latest confession in Cincinnati was nothing less than a shocker.

The thrilling Cincinnati Open final on Monday, at the P&G Center Court, witnessed a remarkable performance from six-time slam queen Iga Swiatek as she clinched her maiden trophy at this event after besting Paolini. The latter, however, made the Pole fight for the crown and had a lot to be proud of. She delivered a successful campaign, after back-to-back failures in Wimbledon and Canada. It seems not having a permanent trainer is making her journey tough. For the uninitiated, Paolini parted ways with former coach Marc Lopez last month. The latter previously worked with 22-time slam king Rafael Nadal. After the split with Lopez, Paolini brought in ex-ATP pro and compatriot Federico Gaio. But this collaboration is temporary. Paolini just made it evident while spilling the truth on her coaching situation right before the US Open challenge.

After losing the Cincinnati final to Swiatek, Paolini couldn’t help but make an honest revelation. “I want to say thank you to my team also… and the Italian tennis federation who supported me these two weeks and is supporting me throughout the year. I’m really glad. I’m kind of without a coach”, she began while adding, “So Federico is here through the federation. I called them and told them I need support. They are there for me. Thank you very much.”

That being said, Paolini will have to look for some quick solutions going into the next challenge which is going to be the US Open. Given that her coaching turmoil is not resolved, the Italian will have to rely mostly on her own belief while making a lot of her on-court judgments. Her run in Cincinnati will likely provide her with a big morale boost.

However, the hard court journey won’t be easy at all. Especially given Paolini’s track record at the Flushing Meadows. It doesn’t paint a promising picture. Why so?

Jasmine Paolini will look to change her US Open history

Compared to other slams like the French Open or the Wimbledon where Jasmine Paolini has reached the finals, the US Open still remains an unsolved mystery for her. She first made her event debut in New York during the 2020 edition. And guess what? The Italian WTA star hasn’t even reached the quarterfinal stage yet.

Her best run at the Flushing Meadows includes entering the fourth round (R16). She achieved it last season before losing to Czechia’s Karolina Muchova and missing out on the last eight stage. After Muchova beat her in straight sets (6-3, 6-3), the Italian had an honest confession to make. She didn’t feel that bad, given how she managed to earn her best campaign yet at the hard court slam.

“I think I’m really happy that finally I went past two rounds in a Grand Slam,” said Paolini as reported by the US Open website in September 2024.

Paolini’s upcoming campaign will begin soon in a few days. Right now, her first round opponent is not confirmed since the draws are not out yet. What are your thoughts on her prospects this time in New York. Will she finally break into the quarters and beyond? Let us know in the comments below.