Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini has made headlines by parting ways with coach Marc Lopez just days after a surprising second-round exit at Wimbledon 2025. The decision marks another turning point in Paolini’s career, as the world No. 4 looks to regroup and refocus for the remainder of the season.
Shock Exit at Wimbledon 2025
A Disappointing Defeat
Paolini, who last year became the first Italian woman in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon final, was ousted by Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in a tense three-set battle. Despite taking the first set, Paolini struggled to maintain her momentum and ultimately fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting just under two hours and twenty minutes.
Reflections on Her Performance
After the loss, Paolini was candid about her struggles:
She admitted to lapses in focus, saying, “My attention was going up and down all the time. I don’t know why.”
Paolini acknowledged the mental fatigue that followed two intense months on tour, adding, “If I want to compete at this level I have to be focused all the time, not like I was today.”
She emphasized her goal to “reset and mentally stay there for every point” in the next part of the season.
End of a Short, Successful Partnership
Working with Marc Lopez
Paolini began working with Marc Lopez, a former doubles world No. 3 and part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team, in April 2025 after ending a decade-long partnership with Renzo Furlan. Under Lopez’s guidance:
- Paolini won her second WTA 1000-level crown at the Italian Open.
- She claimed the women’s doubles title at the French Open alongside Sara Errani.
Despite these achievements, her singles performance at Grand Slams remained inconsistent, with no quarterfinal appearances since her breakthrough runs in 2024.
Paolini’s Statement
On social media, Paolini expressed gratitude and optimism:
“We had some great results together. Especially in Rome and Paris. I appreciate all the hard work and energy Marc gave every day. Now that this part of the season is over, 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.”
What’s Next for Jasmine Paolini?
Paolini, still searching for her first Grand Slam singles title, remains a top contender on the WTA Tour. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, she is expected to take some time to reflect and reset before announcing her next coaching move. Her immediate focus will be on regaining consistency and mental sharpness as the tour heads into the North American hard-court swing.
Recent Results and the State of the Women’s Draw
- Paolini’s early exit was part of a series of upsets that saw four of the top five seeds eliminated within the first three days of Wimbledon 2025.
- Only world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka remains among the top five seeds, highlighting the unpredictability and depth in the women’s game this season.
FAQs: Jasmine Paolini and Her Coaching Change
1. Why did Jasmine Paolini fire her coach after Wimbledon 2025?
Paolini decided to part ways with Marc Lopez following her second-round exit, citing the need for a change and a period of reflection after a demanding stretch of the season.
2. Who was Jasmine Paolini’s coach before Marc Lopez?
Before working with Marc Lopez, Paolini spent ten years with Renzo Furlan as her coach.
3. What were Paolini’s achievements with Marc Lopez?
During their brief partnership, Paolini won the Italian Open (WTA 1000) and the French Open women’s doubles title with Sara Errani.
4. What’s next for Jasmine Paolini?
Paolini plans to take time to reflect and reset before making decisions about her next coach and the rest of her 2025 season.
5. How did Paolini perform at Wimbledon 2025?
She lost in the second round to Kamilla Rakhimova in three sets, ending her campaign earlier than expected.
Conclusion
Jasmine Paolini’s decision to fire her coach after an early Wimbledon exit signals a period of transition and self-reflection for one of tennis’s rising stars. With major titles still within reach and a proven ability to bounce back, fans will be watching closely as Paolini charts her next steps on the WTA Tour.
