The tennis world is shaking up the news leaked by an alleged “exclusive report” according to which Jasmine Paolini tested positive for a prohibited substance during an anti-doping test carried out shortly after her historic victory at the 2025 Italian Open. The news, not yet officially confirmed by the sports authorities, immediately sparked a storm of contrasting reactions among fans, media and industry insiders.

According to the confidential dossier, which has been circulating in the last few hours among some circles close to the WTA circuit, Paolini was subjected to a routine test immediately after lifting the trophy in Rome. The results reportedly highlighted the presence of a prohibited substance – the name of which has not yet been revealed. The document reportedly speaks of “elements compatible with a prohibited metabolic agent”, but there is currently no official confirmation from the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) or the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

Immediately after the news broke, social networks exploded. Many Italian users cried conspiracy, claiming that it was a deliberate attempt to discredit Paolini at the peak of her career, just before a key Slam like Roland Garros. “It’s too easy to attack her now that she’s one of the favorites,” many comments read. Some sports journalists urged caution, stressing the need to wait for official confirmation and recalling that the initial presence of a substance alone does not automatically imply guilt.

Jasmine Paolini has always been considered an exemplary athlete, far from scandals and appreciated for her fairness and dedication. Her growth in recent years has been constant, culminating in the victory in Rome that projected her among the top ten players in the world. “It’s absurd to think that right now she’s risking everything with a shortcut,” said a former coach on the WTA circuit. “Knowing Jasmine, it seems inconceivable to me.”

Neither the Italian Tennis Federation nor Paolini’s team have made any official statements on the matter. Even the ITIA, contacted by various media, simply said that it “does not comment on any ongoing investigations.” This silence, although understandable in a legal context, has only fueled further suspicions and conspiracy theories.

According to some sources close to the player’s entourage, the release of the report may not have been accidental. “Someone doesn’t want Jasmine to arrive at Roland Garros with serenity,” said an anonymous person from her staff. “This is an orchestrated attempt to psychologically destabilize her and divert attention from her sporting value.” The hypothesis of an “external maneuver” is not new in tennis, a sport where psychological and media pressure can profoundly influence performance on the court.

If the positivity were to be confirmed by subsequent analyses (the so-called test B), Paolini would risk a temporary suspension, precisely at the most crucial moment of the season. However, it will be essential to understand the nature of the substance and the context: if it were, for example, involuntary contamination or therapeutic use, the sanctions could vary drastically.

In an already tense climate in view of Roland Garros, the accusation against Jasmine Paolini represents an open wound for Italian tennis. However, until proven otherwise, every athlete has the right to the presumption of innocence. The hope of many is that the truth will emerge quickly, whatever it may be, and that suspicion will not be used as a weapon to destroy the career of an athlete who has always given her all for this sport.