Interview with Jasmine Paoliniâs parents, recorded just after her historic win in Rome. A heartfelt conversation about dreams, support, pressure, and the power of letting a child grow freely through passion and joy.
INTERVIEWER:
Weâll have a question from mom to mom, and from dad to dad. It may sound like a predictable question, but how did it feel to see your daughter fulfilling a lifelong dreamâone youâve supported her in since the beginning? Youâve been by her side throughout this journey. What was it like being so close to her in this special moment?
MOTHER:
It was wonderful. A dream come true. A little girlâs dream becoming reality, and then, with the whole settingâRome, the crowd, it was just amazing. The President of the Republic was there, all the ministers I saw, it was stunning.
INTERVIEWER :
Weâve been by her side since that final at Roland Garros, and then again at Wembley. At the time we thought, âWhat more could possibly top this?â But maybe this moment, winning at home, is even more.
FATHER:
I think so, because playing at home always adds something special. Winning in Rome is tough. Letâs be honestâAdriano Panatta won here many years ago, and then, I donât remember who else⌠maybe a female player, but I canât recall. Playing at home means extra pressure. Sometimes it even makes you overdo it, you know?
But I have to sayâyes, thereâs more pressure, but the home crowd really helped. The Roman crowd supported her in an incredible way, especially when she was struggling. And Jasmine, well, I think youâd agree, she also pulls herself out of tough spots. Sheâs light, grounded. Did you hear the words she used during the trophy ceremony? Always so down to earth. Thatâs what helps her keep smiling and moving forward.
She really is a very simple, wonderful girl. And as we said before the match, having a family like this, parents like hers, has been so important in shaping herânot just as an athlete, but as a person. I truly believe that beyond the athlete, the person matters even more. And Jasmine is a beautiful person.
INTERVIEWER:
Now here comes the key question, and I know weâre running out of time. All of Italy wants to knowânot the technical stuff, we can guess thatâbut how do you raise a girl with that kind of freedom, who can live her passion so openly? What was your approach as parents? Because what stands out most about Jasmine is how she approaches both tennis and life.
MOTHER:
How do you do it? I really donât know. Itâs something you figure out along the way, I suppose⌠just like that.
FATHER:
I believe that when you see your daughter happyâlike Jasmine always was when she played tennisâthen thatâs all that matters. You shouldnât get too involved in her tennis world. Just let her be, let her breathe. The more freedom you give her, the better she does.
We never put pressure on her. We supported her through everythingâthe joys and the hardshipsâbut always let her be herself. I think thatâs the key. Donât burden them, donât hover too much. Let them make their own choices. Even recently, Jasmine made some important decisions [changing her Coach Renzo Furlan], and we supported her 100%. You canât live your childrenâs choices for them. That only leads to regrets.
Children need to be free to do what they truly want to do. That, to me, is the real secret. Via Sky Sport
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