Jasmine Paolini powered into the Italian Open final, overcoming a slow start to defeat American Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1.
The victory makes her the first Italian woman to reach the Rome singles final since 2014.
After a nervous opening, where she trailed 5-3 in the first set, Paolini rallied with strong support from the home crowd.
She dominated the second set to secure her place in the final.
“The crowd was unbelievable and they helped me a lot,” Paolini told Sky Sports.
The world number five is aiming to become Italy’s first female champion in Rome in 40 years. She will face either Coco Gauff or Zheng Qinwen in the final.
