Daily Mail Sport reporter Luke Augustus returned to the clay courts in Rome during the Italian Open to practice with world number 13 Jasmine Paolini.
The 2026 edition of the French Open is currently underway. Last year's runners-up, Aryna Sabelenka and Jannik Sinner, are the favorites to win the women's and men's singles events at Roland Garros.
Clay is the toughest tennis surface. It places a greater emphasis on the stamina required to last through grueling rallies.
Almost 12 months after a rare one-on-one coaching session with world-renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Augustus traveled to Italy courtesy of ASICS. While there was no formal entry into the tournament to save personal embarrassment, he learned from local coaches and rubbed shoulders with the world's best players.
Doubles drills at Casina Poste Parco Fluvial
The session took place at the Casina Poste Parco Fluvial, located near the Foro Italico where the Italian Open is held. Dressed in tennis attire, Augustus wore the Solution Speed FF 4 Clay footwear provided by ASICS. The shoes are engineered to enhance performance by focusing on fast and dynamic motions.
Augustus used his natural speed to move across the baseline and attempt to return drop shots. He admitted that looking the part and being the part are two different things, and he felt nerves as the session began.
Traveling solo meant Augustus had to find a partner for the initial doubles drills. A language barrier existed with the Italian players, but a few apologies of "scusa" broke the ice after mishit shots.
Once he reacclimatized to the red surface and his nerves subsided, Augustus applied the lessons Mouratoglou taught him last year. He focused on hitting through the ball to play with more pace against his opponents.
Rallies with Jasmine Paolini
After adapting to multiple rallies, the level increased infinitely when Augustus hit with Paolini. The 30-year-old Italian was a runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024.
Emphasizing her ability on clay, Paolini is the reigning French Open doubles champion. She is also the defending Olympic Games doubles champion, having won at Roland Garros in 2024.
The gulf in class was evident during their rally. Paolini moved Augustus about the court with ease while keeping a big smile on her face.
Getting in position was not the hardest part for Augustus. He struggled to deal with the kick that came off Paolini's shots as they hit the clay. Despite this, he called it a fun and surreal experience, and they managed some rallies before he committed unforced errors.
Advice from Mattia Bellucci
After the physical session, Augustus sat down with 24-year-old Mattia Bellucci to discuss what it takes to succeed on clay. Bellucci is ranked number 73 in the world and also wears the ASICS Solution Speed FF 4 Clay shoes.
"Sliding is definitely important," Bellucci told Daily Mail Sport. "Clay is a surface where you have a little bit more time, especially with ASICS shoes."
"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," Bellucci said. "This is important because you'll likely hit more shots on clay than on hardcourts so the quality of each shot is more important."
Bellucci also advised novices on how to handle the changing ball. "Also with spin and everything, the ball changes a little bit," he said. "So, if you don't know about hitting a flat shot or a kick shot, just go with the kick."
Augustus plans to heed that advice and hopes the experience pays off during his next clay court game.