Jasmine Paolini: What it means to play at home | 2025 Rome

Racquet: Yonex VCORE 100 ($279)

The VCORE 100 fuses easy spin production with ready power. With its thick, variable beam it’s the type of racquet that energizes strokes without the need for a lot of extra work. For this latest update—the seventh generation of the franchise—the upper hoop has been widened at the 2- and 10-o’clock positions to increase the sweet spot and forgiveness, which also results in more spacing of the main strings. Along with the new silicone-infused grommets, this affords added string movement and snapback for increased spin potential. A softer flex than previous versions gives the frame a plusher response and improved command, and yet, it still maintains respectable stability for its weight.

While probably most effective on the baseline, it has enough feel for specialty and touch shots and all-court play, making it more versatile than the typical grip-and-rip model.

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Apparel: Asics A.P.C. x Crew Dress ($150)

Asics partnered with Parisian label A.C.P. to create new on-court and off-court collections that blend timeless tennis fashion and minimalist designs with Japanese tradition. The clothes come in monochromatic blues and whites in 70’s preppy style. This versatile dress is made with moisture-wicking fabric with a straight, flowing cut and sleeveless shoulders for unfettered movement. A separated inner sprinter stays hidden and provides additional support. Traditional shibori tie-dye technique is applied to the Asics logo on the back for a stylish flourish.

Read more: Asics and A.P.C. team up for one-of-a-kind tennis collection

Shoes: Asics Gel-Resolution X ($155)

The 10th installment of the revered stability franchise gets updated with an emphasis on improved comfort. The midsole cushioning is now a two-piece design with Flytefoam in the forefoot and FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco—taken from the brand’s running category—in the rearfoot. The dual sectioning is also designed to make the shoe even more stable during transitions on the court. The new Dynalacing system puts four additional optional eyelets on the lateral side of the shoe to get a better pull on more of the upper for a more secure, customized fit. Another new wrinkle is the raised, quasi-mid-cut medial collar. It adds support to the inner ankle when making sudden changes of direction and provides a layer of protection when sliding.

The end result is a shoe that’s heavier and a bit roomier than the past few generations, but still a durable and dependable workhorse.