Former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta has weighed in on Jasmine Paolini’s future after leading the Italian team to Billie Jean King Cup glory.
Paolini was instrumental in Italy’s historic victory, winning singles matches against China, Ukraine and the USA.
The Italian has enjoyed some successful moments in 2025: capturing her first title at the Italian Open and lifting a second BJK Cup.
However, Paolini has also struggled – failing to advance past the fourth round at any of the Grand Slam tournaments.
As the tennis season begins to slow down, fellow Italian star Flavia Pennetta has discussed how her compatriot will respond in 2026.
Flavia Pennetta is confident that Jasmine Paolini will become more consistent in 2026
Flavia Pennetta certainly knows a great deal about achieving significant milestones on the WTA Tour.
After all, Pennetta became the first Italian winner of the US Open Women’s Singles in 2015.
A decade later, Jasmine Paolini is leading the Italian charge, and after her recent performance in the BJK Cup, it seems she will not be slowing down any time soon.
Discussing Paolini’s mixed results in 2025, Pennetta told Ubi Tennis: “It’s completely normal. It’s very difficult to maintain a wonderful year like her 2024.
“The pressures change, and your opponents get to know you. I think she can be satisfied even if she finishes the season in 15th place.”
“I’m confident that in 2026 the situation will stabilize and Jasmine will be more consistent.
“And let’s not forget that she can qualify for the Finals; there are still a lot of points up for grabs.”
Jasmine Paolini’s next tournament
Jasmine Paolini had to travel a short distance [relatively speaking] to her next WTA tournament following her participation in the BJK Cup.
The Italian star, who was playing in Shenzhen, China, is now set to compete at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.
Paolini is seeded sixth at the tournament, meaning she has received a first-round bye.
As a result, she will face either Anastasija Sevastova or Kimberly Birrell in the second round.
Paolini has an opportunity to significantly improve her ranking: at last year’s tournament, she failed to make it past the round of 32, and therefore has very few WTA points to defend.
