Dhaka, May 17 -- Jasmine Paolini became the first Italian woman in more than a decade to reach the final of her home WTA Italian Open when she beat American Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1 on Thursday.

Paolini is the first Italian to advance to the final in Rome since her doubles partner Sara Errani lost to Serena Williams in 2014.

Paolini had found herself a set and 4-0 down to Diana Shnaider in her quarter-final tie before storming to victory and once again the world number five had a slow start in the opening set before mounting a comeback.

"I am very happy, I don't know what to say! It's a dream to be here, it's a dream to play in Italy, it's a dream to be able to play the final," the 29-year-old said. Any hopes of a quick start for Paolin...