TennisFeature
Listen: 5 Live Sport - The Making of Jannik Sinner
Listen to the making of Jannik Sinner on Radio 5 Live now!
BBC Sport1 min read
TennisRecap
Coco Gauff reacts after surviving brutal path to Rome final
TL;DR
Coco Gauff reached the Italian Open final by defeating Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3. This victory follows a challenging path where she faced three-set matches and saved a match point in the fourth round.
Key points
- Coco Gauff reached the Italian Open final
- Defeated Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3
- Had to save a match point in the fourth round
Coco GauffSorana CirsteaItalian Open
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Coco Gauff is through to the final of the Italian Open after seeing off Sorana Cirstea, 6-4, 6-3.
The two-time Grand Slam winner advanced with a win she needed, giving her a solid result heading into the title match.
Gauff had been taken to three sets in each of her last three matches in Rome and even had to save a match point against Iva Jovic in the fourth round.
Speaking after her win, Gauff discussed how challenging her path to the final has been.
Coco Gauff Glad to avoid another marathon match after Italian Open semi-final
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
“I’m just happy to be through in straight sets today,” she said.
“It’s been a marathon week, but I’m really happy to be back here in the final. Thank you guys, for the support.”
“I’ve been enjoying it. The first couple of rounds were tough, but those are the matches you get through, and I was one point away from being out of the tournament, so really grateful to be in the final.
“Each match, I think I learned a little bit more, and I think it showed today.”
She was then asked to name the toughest match or turning point of her Italian Open campaign so far.
“All of them really!” she said.
“All of them have been tough. But I think getting through the match against Iva [Jovic], where I wasn’t playing my best. After that match, I think I’ve been getting better and better with each one.”
Italian Open: Coco Gauff open to playing either Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in final
She has faced both players multiple times, but her history with Swiatek is more established.
Q&A
What were Coco Gauff's match scores leading to the Italian Open final?
Coco Gauff defeated Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3 to reach the final of the Italian Open.
How did Coco Gauff perform in her previous matches before the final?
Before the final, Gauff had three consecutive matches that went to three sets and saved a match point against Iva Jovic.
What is Coco Gauff's recent performance in Grand Slam tournaments?
Coco Gauff is a two-time Grand Slam winner, indicating her strong performance in major tennis events.
