Daily Mail Sport’s reporter Luke Augustus spent a day on Rome’s red clay in May, practicing alongside world No 13 Jasmine Paolini and world No 73 Mattia Bellucci. The informal session, arranged through ASICS, offered a rare glimpse of elite technique as the 2026 French Open unfolded.

Training with World No 13 Jasmine Paolini in Rome

Paolini, who reached the French Open final and Wimbledon final in 2024 and holds the 2024 Olympic doubles gold, paired with Augustus for a rally that highlighted the stark skill gap. "She moved me across the court with ease," Augustus wrote, noting that her shots carried a heavy kick that tested his footwork. according to the report, Paolini’s smile remained bright even as she forced Augustus into unforced errors, underscoring how quickly the surface can punish a mis‑timed swing.

Mattia Bellucci’s Clay Tips for Novices

After the Paolini drill, Augustus sat down with 24‑year‑old Italian Bellucci, who shared three core lessons: slide into position, prioritize placement over power, and embrace the kick shot. Bellucci explained, "If you have the possibility to place yourself in the right position, do it as it means you’ll have time to set yourself better for the next shot," a point the report emphasizes as vital on a surface that produces longer rallies.

ASICS Solution Speed FF 4 Clay Shoes Tested on Red Dirt

ASICS supplied the Solution Speed FF 4 Clay shoes, which Augustus praised for their agility and support on the slippery surface. The report notes that the shoes helped him cover the baseline and react to drop‑shots, confirming the brand’s claim that the model enhances “swift, agile movements” on clay.

Defending French Open Finalists Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner Watch the Clay Season

While Augustus trained, the broader narrative of the clay season remained dominated by defending finalists Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, who were highlighted as the top contenders for the Roland Garros titles. According to the source, the French Open is now in progress, and both players are using the Italian Open as a final tune‑up before the second‑week battles.

Language Barrier Adds Challenge in Foro Italico Session

The informal nature of the drill meant there was no official tournament entry , and most local coaches spoke only Italian. Augustus recalled that a few polite "scusa" after wayward shots helped break the ice, but the language gap added a layer of nervousness that the report says “was palpable” as the drills began.