"My mom's a meme, I just want to say to her & my father I love them" - Jasmine Paolini sends 'one kiss' to parents after reaching US Open 2nd week
Jasmine Paolini booked her spot in the US Open fourth round with a win over Yulia Putintseva. The Italian, who came through in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, is through to the second week in New York for the first time in her career.
Understandably overjoyed, she spoke about the support and love that she has received over the course of the whirlwind 2024 season — that has seen her reach back-to-back Grand Slam finals at the French Open and Wimbledon — during her on-court interview.
Responding to one particular question about her mother, who gained social media fame for her animated reactions during Paolini’s matches at Wimbledon, the Italian jokingly replied that her mother had become an internet meme overnight.
Paolini said her parents were unable to make the trip to New York, but are still watching her play from back home, even staying up till late for her matches. She went on express her love for her family.
"I think she has jet lag because when I played at night she sent me a message after the match. They’re following even in the night. I don’t know how they do it," Jasmine Paolini said. "They do it maybe because they love me. I love them too.”
“My mom became famous at Wimbledon. She’s a meme I think. I just want to say to her and also to my father.. because if not, he’s a bit jealous.. that I love them. I love my brother. I love my family. One kiss for them," she added.
Jasmine Paolini becomes first Italian to reach second week at all Slams in calendar year after US Open run
Jasmine Paolini also became the first Italian to make the second week at all four Grand Slam events in a calendar year after reaching the US Open fourth round.
Reflecting on her strong season, the Italian said she has begun to believe in herself more as the year has progressed. She went on to express her love for playing big matches in front of packed houses.
"No, this year, I started, well, I have to say and then I started to believe more in myself," Jasmine Paolini said. "I started to believe that I could play well, also in the Slams because before this year, I never passed two rounds, so it changed a little bit I guess."
"I really enjoyed to play to play here today as I said before, it's amazing to to play in front of this crowd in front in a big stadium, you know, I really love it," she added.
Paolini will take on last year’s US Open semifinalist Karolina Muchova for a place in the quarterfinals. The Czech beat Anastasia Potapova in straight sets in her fourth-round encounter.