The world No. 5 returns to a WTA 1000 final, and no less in front of her home crowd, becoming the first Italian in the final since her doubles partner Sara Errani back in 2014. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up faced an unexpected opponent in the semifinals,

Jasmine Paolini became the first Italian woman in more than a decade to reach the final of her home Italian Open when she beat American Peyton Stearns 7-5 6-1 on Thursday. Paolini is the first Italian to advance to the final in Rome since her doubles partner Sara Errani lost to Serena Williams in 2014.

Italy's Jasmine Paolini shakes off a slow start to beat American Peyton Stearns and reach the final of the Italian Open.