“I hate losing a lot, and especially in finals, because it’s like you’re so close,” Coco Gauff confessed after her Madrid defeat to top seed Aryna Sabalenka, a loss that stung deep. It marked just her 2nd WTA final loss, the 1st being against Iga Swiatek at the 2022 French Open. Unfortunately, history repeated itself in Rome as well. Despite her electrifying run at the Italian Open, Gauff couldn’t overcome the inspired home favorite, Jasmine Paolini, falling in straight sets.

Does she regret the loss? Naturally! Yet, in true Coco fashion, she didn’t let heartbreak overshadow grace. With unwavering sportsmanship, she wished Paolini another win. Yes, even after a final defeat! That’s the kind of class that defines champions long before they lift a trophy. Isn’t it?

Even though Coco Gauff showcased incredible form throughout the Italian Open, taking down top contenders like Zheng Qinwen and teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva, she couldn’t rise to the occasion when it counted most. In the last match, Jasmine Paolini delivered a commanding performance, overpowering the American 6-4, 6-2 to capture the title. The Italian star needed just one hour and 39 minutes to seal the win, feeding off the energy of the home crowd in Rome. 

With this triumph, the 29-year-old Italian etched her name in the history books as the 1st Italian woman in 40 years to win the tournament, following in the footsteps of Raffaella Reggi in 1985 and becoming only the 4th Italian champion since 1930. While it was undoubtedly a fairytale moment for Paolini, Gauff responded with class and grace. Despite the disappointment of losing yet another high-stakes final, the American didn’t hesitate to send her well-wishes to the Italian star. 

Right after the tough loss in the Italian Open final, the American ace took the stage with grace and composure during the trophy presentation. Speaking to the crowd, she said: “I have had a great time here in Rome. I have lost in the semis twice, so I was happy to make it to the final.” The former US Open champion continued, “Congratulations, Jasmine, on the incredible achievement. I just wanted to say you were an incredible person and player.”

Coco added a heartfelt remark to her message as well. “It’s always tough playing you. Good luck tomorrow in the doubles final, I hope you guys can take it home.” As it turns out, Jasmine Paolini wasn’t done at Foro Italico just yet after the women’s singles, though. With her singles title secured, she’s now eyeing a potential 2nd crown in Rome, this time in doubles, partnering with her compatriot Sara Errani.

The Italian pair, who previously won a gold medal together at the Paris Olympics, have been in sensational form. They’ve dropped just 2 sets en route to the doubles final and are set to face the strong duo of Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova. With men’s finalist and top seed Jannik Sinner also preparing for a blockbuster clash against Carlos Alcaraz, a historic Italian treble looms large. If Errani and Sinner emerge victorious, Italy could see 3 homegrown champions lift trophies in one glorious day at the Foro Italico.

Meanwhile, Gauff also reflected on areas she wants to improve moving forward. Among them, she highlighted her serve, specifically double faults, as something she needs to sharpen. 

Coco Gauff gets candid about her improvement areas

Coco Gauff’s 2nd serve has drawn sharp attention this season, especially after racking up 151 double faults in just 26 matches before the Italian Open. Her struggles continued in Rome as well, where she hit 15 double faults in the SF against Zheng Qinwen and totaled 125 unforced errors across her last two matches. Despite these concerns, Gauff remains composed, acknowledging her need to improve while maintaining a focus on the bigger picture.

After her final loss to Jasmine Paolini, Gauff expressed genuine admiration for the Italian but also emphasized the importance of refining her serve, an area the 21-year-old knows could define her Grand Slam chances. 

“Yeah, I think for me I guess, yeah, with the double-faults, it’s something I know I have to improve and do better. If I want to make it to the next level, it’s definitely something I have to improve,” Coco added. “Unforced errors? I mean, I was just going for my shots. In the semi, I mean, there is context behind that in the semifinal. The court was super slow. We were both missing balls. It’s not so easy to hit a winner. The only way to win the points is to force your opponent to make an error or they make an unforced error,”

Now heading to Roland-Garros as the 2nd seed, Gauff carries both pressure and promise. With her talent and determination, turning back-to-back final losses into Grand Slam glory in Paris isn’t out of reach!