In a move that caught the tennis world off guard, Jasmine Paolini has officially ended her decade-long coaching relationship with Renzo Furlan—a partnership that shaped the very core of her rise through the WTA ranks. On Monday, the world No. 6 broke the news through an emotional Instagram post, signaling the conclusion of a journey that saw both player and coach reach new heights, particularly over the past 15 months.
The duo first linked up in 2015, but it was in 2020 that their collaboration gained full momentum. Under Furlan’s watchful eye—himself a seasoned ATP Tour veteran—Paolini transitioned from a modest contender to one of the most consistent and dangerous players on the tour. Her steady climb culminated in a remarkable breakthrough in 2024 when she surged to world No. 4, reaching the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, two of tennis’ most prestigious stages.
Beyond her singles success, Paolini shone on the doubles circuit as well. Teaming up with fellow Italian Sara Errani, she reached the French Open doubles final and went on to claim Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games. That same year, her contribution was crucial as Italy clinched the Billie Jean King Cup. Adding to her glittering résumé, Paolini kicked off 2025 with a bang by capturing her first WTA 1000 title at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Furlan’s efforts did not go unnoticed. His guidance was widely credited with Paolini’s transformation, and he was named WTA Coach of the Year—a reflection of his role in helping her smash through prior ceilings. Until 2024, Paolini had never gone beyond the second round at a Grand Slam, nor had she cracked the WTA top 25. But with Furlan by her side, she made a giant leap forward.
Despite these milestones, Paolini stunned fans by announcing the end of their professional bond. Her statement struck a deeply personal tone:
“After 10 amazing years together, I want to say a huge thank you to Renzo Furlan for everything he’s done for me.
We’ve been on an incredible journey, shared unforgettable moments, including an amazing 2024 with the finals at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, and winning Olympic gold in Paris. And even in 2025, we’ve started strong.”
She went on to emphasize the emotional depth of their partnership:
“Renzo has been such an important part of my growth, both as a player and as a person. Everything I’ve learned from him will stay with me and continue to guide me in this new chapter, he’ll always be an important person in my life.”
Her tribute highlighted the sacrifices Furlan made, balancing the demanding tour schedule with his personal life:
“I’m truly grateful for the time, energy, and sacrifices he’s made for me, often far from home and his family. I have so much respect and appreciation for him. For his professionalism, his passion, and the values he’s passed on to me over all these years.”
And she closed with warm, heartfelt words:
“Renzo, I’m really thankful for everything. Wishing you all the best for what’s next!”
Though the announcement signals the end of an era, it comes during a transitional phase for Paolini. After a promising start to the season, her momentum briefly faltered. She exited in the third round at both the Australian Open and during her Dubai title defense—results that hinted at inconsistency. But the tides seemed to shift at the Miami Open, where she roared back into form and reached her first semi-final of the year, eventually bowing out to Aryna Sabalenka, who went on to win the tournament.
That Miami performance helped Paolini regain some footing, nudging her up one spot in the WTA Rankings to world No. 6. Yet, the pressure is far from over. With hefty runner-up points to defend at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, she’ll be walking a tightrope this summer. An early exit at either major could potentially bump her out of the top 10, making her coaching decision in the coming weeks all the more critical.
As for Furlan, the coaching carousel now turns in his direction. The 54-year-old boasts a glowing résumé that predates his success with Paolini, having also steered Francesca Schiavone to her 2010 French Open title. Whether he returns to mentoring another top-tier talent or takes a different path altogether, his next chapter is sure to attract interest.
For both Paolini and Furlan, the curtain may have fallen on their shared story, but each stands poised for a fresh start—armed with experience, accolades, and a decade of tennis memories that won’t easily fade.