Australian Open 2025: Jasmine Paolini on avoiding ‘second season syndrome’ after Melbourne exit
People call me a “late bloomer” because of what happened last year.
I had never made it to the second round of a Grand Slam before, then I made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open and then Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
I also had more success in doubles and won an Olympic gold medal in Paris with my good friend Sara Errani. This is a special, special year.
So what has changed? Of course, things don’t change overnight.
Every week we try to add something to improve my game and of course, winning is what really helps.
I’ve had good results in the 2023 season, which means I start 2024 with more confidence in my game.
I was nervous when I came to Melbourne because I’d never gotten past the first round here.
When I won my first game here I felt relieved and things continue to improve.
I made it to the fourth round and lost to Anna Kalinskaya, so a performance like that gave me more confidence throughout the year.
Because I’m in my late twenties, sometimes I feel like the chance of achieving this kind of success has gone away.
