Coco Gauff Heads To French Open With ‘Bittersweet’ Confidence After Rome Final Loss

by Gee NY

As the French Open draws near, Coco Gauff is heading to Roland Garros with mixed emotions. The 2023 US Open champion described her mood as “bittersweet” following a straight-sets loss to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the Rome Open final on Saturday.

The 20-year-old American, now ranked No. 2 in the world, fell short of securing her first WTA 1000 clay court title after a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to sixth seed Paolini, just two weeks after another final-round loss to Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid.

“Definitely proud of the two results, but also disappointed,” Gauff said after the match. “It’s a bittersweet feeling. Jasmine played great tennis today. Unfortunately, I felt like I didn’t bring my best, which I knew I needed today. Overall, a lot to look forward to in Paris.”

A disappointed Coco Gauff

Gauff’s path to the French Open has been impressive, reaching back-to-back finals at two of the biggest clay events on the WTA calendar.

Yet despite the strong lead-in, she remains without a WTA 1000 clay title — a gap in her résumé that the world No. 2 admits she’s eager to fill.

Statistically, the Rome final exposed Gauff’s struggles on serve. She hit seven double faults and saved just two of seven break points — a recipe for trouble against an in-form Paolini, who played with remarkable precision and aggression.

“I also didn’t play my best level,” Gauff said candidly, while giving full credit to her opponent. “It’s not to discredit my opponent. She forced me to play that way… She played to win today and she deserved to win.”

Despite the loss, Gauff’s run to two consecutive finals reinforces her as one of the top contenders in Paris.

Her explosive athleticism, mental toughness, and recent performances put her firmly among the favorites, even as she continues to chase that elusive WTA 1000 clay crown.

With the French Open looming, Gauff remains focused on building from these hard-earned lessons.

“I know I can play better,” she added. “And I’m looking forward to showing that in Paris.”

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