ROME  -  Italy’s Jasmine Paolini captured the biggest singles title of her career on Saturday, defeating American star Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in a straight-sets masterclass at the Italian Open.

The 29-year-old home favouriteshowcased nerves of steel and superior consistency to claim her third career title and become only the second Italian woman to win the prestigious tournament, following Raffaella Reggi’s triumph in 1985. The victory will lift Paolini to world No. 4 in the WTA rankings—equalling her career best—just ahead of Roland-Garros. “I don’t have the words,” Paolini said during the trophy ceremony. “It’s been an incredible two weeks.”

Paolini, who had beaten Gauff on clay in Stuttgart earlier this season, carried that confidence into the Rome final. Despite Gauff’s explosive power, it was Paolini who controlled the tempo and made fewer errors, capitalizing on a shaky start from the American, who double-faulted on the very first point of the match.

After exchanging early breaks, Paolini steadied herself to edge the first set 6-4. She then broke Gauff at the start of the second and never looked back. The American, struggling with rhythm and consistency, failed to mount a serious comeback, as Paolini broke once more to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Even as light rain briefly threatened to disrupt the match, Paolini kept her focus. Gauff managed to reclaim one break but was broken to love in the very next game. The Italian held her nerve to close out the match in 91 minutes, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Despite the loss, Gauff will rise to a career-equaling high of world No. 2 in the updated rankings on Monday. “I have had a great week,” Gauff said. “I’ve been here so many times, made the semis twice, so I was happy to get to the final. Jasmine, you’re an amazing person and player, and congratulations on this amazing achievement.”