Quote of the Day: Jasmine Paolini’s “secret weapon” has nothing to do with her height

It’s a great week to be Italian at Roland Garros. While countryman Jannik Sinner may be dominating the headlines with his rise to world No. 1, the diminutive powerhouse Jasmine Paolini has also been making some big strides of her own.

The No. 12 seed recorded the biggest win of her career on Wednesday after she stunned big-hitting No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to book a spot in her first Grand Slam semifinal.

Read More: Jasmine Paolini holds off Elena Rybakina to reach maiden major semifinal at Roland Garros

But that’s only half of the story, as Paolini is also winning big in doubles too. Partnered with fellow Italian Sara Errani, who won the 2012 women’s doubles title, for a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Diana Shnaider and Emma Navarro to reach the final four.

“Today was the perfect day, I think, in singles and doubles,” a grinning Paolini told press afterward. “The singles was a really tough match. I'm happy I managed to come back in the third set, because (it) was tough after the second set.

“I'm really happy with my performance, and I'm also happy for the doubles, of course.”

WATCH: "Enjoy the moment!": Jasmine Paolini reacts to conquering Elena Rybakina for Roland Garros semifinal spot

As it usually does for the 5’4” Italian, her height became a topic of conversation after her upset over 6’0” Rybakina—even Paolini’s next opponent, Mirra Andreeva, 17, will be five inches taller than her when they meet on Thursday.

The 28-year-old is used to facing opponents that tower over her, but “wishing” that things were different doesn’t do much for Paolini—who has learned to improve “other aspects” of her game to offset her height disadvantage.

Q: Is it intimidating for somebody who is, with all due respect, not as big as your opponent today and some of the newer players? Or is it kind of like some secret weapon that you have?

JASMINE PAOLINI: Secret weapon? No (smiling).

I wish I was taller, because I could serve better. But I think I accept that I have to do with my own body. I mean, I'm short. Okay, we try to not make it a problem, we try to do something different to improve other aspect…

I mean, I wish I was taller, but it's okay, I'm not.

Q: Me too.

JASMINE PAOLINI: Yeah, I'm not. We have to do with what we have, you know (smiling).

The Italian seems to have found the right balance in 2024, as she's been enjoying the season of a lifetime. Paolini had never been past the second round at a Grand Slam before this year’s run to the Australian Open fourth round, and she backed it up by lifting her first WTA 1000 trophy in Dubai.

In the build-up to Roland Garros, Paolini returned to the winner’s circle again—this time, in doubles with Errani. The all-Italian team took down Coco Gauff and Erin Routliffe in the Rome final to claim their second title of the year, and the biggest trophy of their partnership to date.

Read More: Iga Swiatek vs. Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini vs. Mirra Andreeva: Roland Garros semifinal previews

With Paolini still in contention in both singles and doubles at Roland Garros, the 28-year-old is leaning on her veteran countrywoman to navigate the uncharted waters.

“I think she's helping me so much, playing doubles with her,” Paolini said of Errani. “I can talk in tennis with her, I can ask her strategies, but also some advice: How to step on court, what can I do today to play better.

“It's somebody that I think can help me so much. She already made a Grand Slam final, so she already have been in this position. I think is just someone that can help me in many aspects.”