I am fast because of Ghana - Jasmine Paolini speaks ahead of Wimbledon final

Ghanaian-Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini has expressed pride in her Ghanaian heritage and roots, despite being a citizen of Italy.

She explained that her mother is Polish, with Ghanaian roots, and her grandfather hails from Ghana, making her proud of her Ghanaian blood.

Although born and bred in Italy, Jasmine appreciates her connection to Ghana and is delighted about it.

Speaking ahead of the Wimbledon finals, Jasmine attributed her speed as a tennis player to her Ghanaian heritage.

"I always say that for me, it's important. I'm proud to have different bloodlines in my body. And of course, I feel Italian. I was born in Italy, so I'm Italian. I think it's an important part of my life. My mom is Polish, but my grandfather is from Ghana.

"I think I am fast because of Ghana. Also, when I was younger, like ten years old, I spent every summer in Poland. I can speak Polish, and I think it's an added asset as a person. It's a plus. I'm really proud of it,” she said.

Jasmine emerged as the breakout star of the 2024 Wimbledon, following a phenomenal run in the Women's singles.

She made history on Thursday, July 12, 2024, by defeating Donna Vekic to become the first Italian and Ghanaian to reach a Wimbledon Women's singles final.

Jasmine achieved this historic feat in an exciting semi-final clash that ended 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) in her favor.

This marks her second Grand Slam final in 2024, having previously lost at Roland Garros to Poland's Iga Swiatek in June.

Paolini aims to win her first Grand Slam title on Saturday, July 13, 2024, when she faces 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in the final.

What is Jasmine's Ghanaian ancestry?

Twenty-eight-year-old Jasmine was born in Italy to an Italian father and a Polish mother, Jacqueline, who has Ghanaian roots.

Her Ghanaian heritage is linked to her mother, who was born in Lodz to a Ghanaian father and a Polish mother.

Jasmine has pledged her allegiance to Italy and represents the country in international tournaments.

She is set to compete in the same event for Italy at the 2024 Olympics in Paris alongside Sara Errani.

Watch the video below:

‘I am fast because of Ghana🇬🇭”

Last month at Roland Garros, @JasminePaolini spoke about her ‘proud’ Ghanaian heritage, where she credited her ability to her Ghanaian blood. pic.twitter.com/2795opMD0x

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) July 12, 2024