GOOD NEWS: Jasmine Paolini Spent $87,000 to Save a Special Restaurant — The Very One That Gave Her Free Meals During Her High School Years
In a touching act of gratitude and generosity, Italian tennis star Jasmine Paolini has captured hearts around the world — not for a victory on the court, but for a quiet gesture of kindness. The world No. 7 player reportedly spent $87,000 of her own money to rescue a small, family-run restaurant in Tuscany — the very same place that once helped her chase her dreams when she was just a teenager.
According to local media, “Trattoria da Rosa,” a humble eatery in Paolini’s hometown, had been struggling for months. Rising costs and declining visitors nearly forced the family to shut down after more than 40 years of serving the community. But before the doors could close for good, a surprise payment arrived — covering every last debt. It wasn’t from a bank or a sponsor, but from Jasmine Paolini herself.
The owners, the Rossi family, revealed that Paolini’s gesture came “completely out of the blue.” They recalled her as a quiet and polite student who came to the restaurant every morning before school. “She never had much,” said Signora Rossi, wiping away tears in an interview, “but she always smiled. We knew she was training hard, so we gave her breakfast on the house. It was the least we could do for a girl chasing a dream.”
For nearly three years, the restaurant served Paolini free croissants and cappuccinos before she headed to school and then to the tennis courts. “She always said thank you,” the owner added, “and she promised that one day she would make us proud.” That promise, it seems, has now been kept in the most beautiful way.
When the Rossi family arrived one morning last month, they found not only their debts cleared but also a small wooden plaque hanging on the restaurant wall. It read: “A place that fed my dreams every morning.” The sign, handwritten and signed by Jasmine herself, has since become a local symbol of gratitude, humility, and the power of remembering where you came from.
Paolini has yet to comment publicly about the donation. Friends close to her say she didn’t want any media attention for the act. “She told us, ‘They gave me food when I had nothing — now it’s my turn to give back,’” one close friend shared. “That’s just who Jasmine is. She doesn’t help for the cameras, she helps because it’s real.”
The story has quickly gone viral in Italy, with fans praising Paolini for her humility and compassion. Many have called it “the most beautiful victory of her career,” saying that her kindness reflects the true spirit of sport. Social media platforms were flooded with messages like, “Champions are not only made on the court,” and “Jasmine Paolini, you fed our hearts.”
Local newspapers reported that after the restaurant’s debts were settled, business has picked up again. Curious fans have started visiting “Trattoria da Rosa,” not only to taste the food but to see the sign that now hangs proudly near the entrance. The owners say they’ve kept Jasmine’s favorite breakfast — a warm croissant and cappuccino — permanently on the menu under the name “Colazione Paolini.”
This heartfelt story has reminded many people across Italy of the values that Jasmine Paolini embodies: humility, gratitude, and resilience. Despite her growing global fame, she remains deeply connected to her roots and to the people who supported her when she had nothing. Her action speaks louder than any trophy — proving that kindness, too, is a kind of victory.
And while Paolini continues her journey on the WTA Tour, fans say that this may be the win that defines her legacy — not for a title or a record, but for a simple truth: the greatest champions never forget who helped them dream.
