Coco Gauff flattered to deceive in the Italian Open final, losing in straight sets to Jasmine Paolini.
However, that does not detract from what has been a hugely promising clay-court campaign for the 21-year-old, reaching two Masters 1000-event finals despite not securing any silverware.
If these experiences are to help her win the ultimate clay crown though, she will not care, and with the
French Open starting later this month, it’s time for her to start dreaming.
Even despite an error-strewn Italian Open campaign, Coco Gauff remains optimistic.
Coco Gauff looks ahead to the French Open
Speaking at her post-match press conference, the American naturally cut a downbeat figure.
However, such is the way with her unrelenting mentality, Gauff remains positive.
Asked about Roland Garros specifically, which is obviously the pinnacle of the clay-court season, she rated her chances of lifting the trophy: ‘Yeah, I think it’s both confidence and motivation to do better. Hopefully, I can get to the final in Roland Garros and maybe the ‘third time is a charm’ thing is a real thing. That’s looking so far ahead.
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‘Overall, I lost to two quality opponents, Aryna in Madrid and Jasmine here. So yeah, I think I have a lot to improve, a lot that I can work on.
‘I made the final with those errors. Made the final, maybe not playing my best tennis. It just gives me confidence if I can find that good form heading into Roland Garros, I can do well there.’
Gauff spoke about the Italian Open crowd too, which has drawn criticism over the last week.
What other WTA players will challenge Coco Gauff for the Roland Garros trophy?
As a finalist in the French Open already, Gauff will know what to expect if she is to reach that stage again.
However, despite a really strong clay-court season, there will be others to provide strong competition.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Paolini is obviously one such contender, especially after reaching the final last year, whilst Iga Swiatek will be hoping to recapture her form to add to her four titles in the French capital.
It would be unwise to discount the world number one Aryna Sabalenka though, who actually beat Gauff in the Madrid final earlier this month.
Mirra Andreeva, despite her youth, is not one to ignore either after a startlingly impressive 2025.