Coco Gauff continued her strong run at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia by securing a place in the final with a composed straight-sets victory over Sorana Cirstea, winning 6-4, 6-3.
The world No. 4 described the win as her most satisfying of the week, noting that she was able to stay steady in key moments and prevent Cirstea from dictating the rallies. It also marked her first match since the early rounds where she avoided a three-set battle, highlighting her growing control in Rome.
A key factor in Gauff’s performance has been her improved serve. In the semifinal, she produced a first-serve percentage close to 80 percent, giving her more free points and reducing pressure in baseline exchanges. She acknowledged the difference in her serving level compared to earlier matches, saying it allowed her to play more aggressively and effectively.
Beyond her on-court performance, Gauff also drew attention for her lighthearted personality during media duties. She spoke about watching the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” and reacted playfully during an interview when discussing potential opponents, deflecting predictions with humor.
This will be Gauff’s second WTA 1000 final of the season after finishing runner-up at the Miami Open. She is still searching for her first title since her Wuhan triumph last October.
More significantly, Rome presents an opportunity for her first WTA 1000 clay court title. As the reigning Roland Garros champion, a win in Rome would further strengthen her reputation as one of the leading players on clay heading into the rest of the season.
