Bold opening: Even the sunniest smiles have their shadows—and Jasmine Paolini isn’t afraid to show the full range of her emotions.
Jasmine Paolini, a 30-year-old Italian tennis player, is set to compete in this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships. Having already triumphed at this tournament in 2024, Paolini is driven to chase the title again this year, yet she remains acutely aware of the stiff competition and the many hurdles she will face on the road to the trophy.
Her press conference drew particular attention.
In the early portion of the session, the Italian athlete expressed that she feels great and views this event with optimism, aiming to raise the pace in her rallies and matches.
Paolini stresses that this tournament brings nothing but positive energy for her, and she hopes to deliver performances that fans will remember just as vividly as they did two years ago.
Yet a reporter’s question about her cheerful demeanor sparked intrigue.
The journalist noted that Paolini is a naturally upbeat person, a trait that often raises the question: is there anything that annoys her?
The answer: yes, there are several things that irritate her.
"On court, I don’t always express myself at 100%. I sometimes push myself to smile because I know it helps me relax and play better. But it isn’t easy—sometimes you want things to click, and they don’t, and you get frustrated because you’re giving your best every day. It’s not easy, you know?
There are many things (laughs). Many things. But no, I always try to find a way to smile because I know it helps me outside the court, and it also benefits my performance on it," she explained.
The idea that releasing emotions is crucial for an athlete
Paolini undoubtedly keeps her emotions under control, at least while the cameras are rolling. Still, there’s no doubt she knows how to release negative feelings after competition, and this practice seems to yield positive results for her.
And this is the part that often sparks debate: should athletes wear their emotions more openly, or is controlled composure the better strategy for peak performance? What’s your take: does maintaining a cheerful exterior help or hinder on-court performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.
