Coco Gauff’s 2025 Italian Open campaign was a testament to her resilience and determination, even as it ended in a straight-set loss to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the final. Before the tournament, Gauff had expressed a preference to face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, seeking a measure of revenge for their recent encounter in Madrid. However, Sabalenka’s unexpected quarterfinal loss to Zheng Qinwen altered the course of Gauff’s path to the final.
A Semifinal Matchup That Could Have Been
In the lead-up to her quarterfinal match against Zheng, Gauff was asked about her potential semifinal opponent. While she acknowledged the strengths of both Sabalenka and Zheng, Gauff admitted that she would have liked to face Sabalenka again, saying, “I don’t have a preference, to be honest. They’re both tough players. It’s going to be a tough match regardless of who I play. Obviously, I would maybe like to play Aryna because I just played her in Madrid, just to get some revenge.”
Gauff’s desire for a rematch with Sabalenka stemmed from their recent meeting in Madrid, where Sabalenka emerged victorious. The opportunity to face her again in Rome presented a chance for Gauff to turn the tables. However, fate had other plans.
Zheng Qinwen’s Breakthrough Victory
On the same day as Gauff’s quarterfinal win, Zheng Qinwen faced Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. In a surprising turn of events, Zheng defeated the world No. 1 in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, marking her first-ever victory over Sabalenka. Zheng attributed her previous losses to giving Sabalenka too much respect, but this time, she played with confidence and composure. Her win not only ended Sabalenka’s nine-match clay winning streak but also set up a semifinal clash with Gauff.
Gauff’s Grueling Semifinal Victory
Despite the unexpected change in her opponent, Gauff remained focused and determined. In a marathon semifinal match that lasted over three and a half hours, Gauff edged past Zheng with a 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4) victory. The match was the longest of her career and the WTA Tour in 2025 up to that point. After securing the win, Gauff celebrated emotionally, shouting, “Don’t play with me! This my s***!”
This victory marked Gauff’s first appearance in a Rome final and made her the first American woman to reach the final since Serena Williams in 2016. It also underscored her growth and resilience on clay courts, setting the stage for her final showdown with Paolini.
The Final: A Step Backward
In the final, Gauff faced Jasmine Paolini, who had been in stellar form throughout the tournament. Unfortunately for Gauff, the match did not go in her favor. Paolini defeated Gauff 6-4, 6-2, clinching her maiden Italian Open title and becoming the first Italian woman to win the tournament in 40 years. Paolini’s victory was a testament to her consistency and composure, while Gauff struggled with unforced errors and double faults, totaling 55 and 7, respectively.
Despite the loss, Gauff’s run to the final was a significant achievement. It highlighted her ability to compete at the highest level and her potential to succeed on clay courts. As she prepares for the upcoming French Open, Gauff remains optimistic, acknowledging the need for improvement but confident in her abilities.
Looking Ahead
Coco Gauff’s journey at the 2025 Italian Open was a mix of aspirations, surprises, and valuable lessons. While she did not achieve her goal of facing Sabalenka in the semifinals, her performances against Zheng and in the final against Paolini provided insights into areas for growth. As the French Open approaches, Gauff’s experiences in Rome will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for her continued development and pursuit of excellence on the tennis court.