Coco Gauff Labels Jannik Sinner a ‘Generational Talent’ at Italian Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 18, 2025 2:16 PM ET

Following her runner-up finish at the Italian Open, Coco Gauff took a moment to reflect not only on her performance but also on the remarkable rise of Italy’s brightest tennis stars — Jasmine Paolini and Jannik Sinner. While congratulating both for their progress and success, Gauff reserved particularly high praise for Sinner, calling him a "generational talent."

Gauff appreciated the effort put in by the Italian tennis federation to develop its players. She went on to praise how Paolini has improved exponentially over the years, and went on to laud Sinner’s undeniable talent.

“Yeah, and obviously Jannik, I mean he's one of those talents I think that, you just knew he was going to be great since he was young,” said Gauff, during her press conference. “So obviously, that has some to do with the federation but I think just a lot to do with just him being a generational talent as well.”

“But yeah, I think they have the support that they need here. Obviously this facility is great. I'm not sure the ins and outs of it, but yeah I think that it’s great,” added Gauff.

She further went on to congratulate the Italian tennis federation for the rise of Sinner and Paolini.

“And obviously Jasmine and Jannik, I think maybe overall I think they've done a good job of developing their games. Specifically Jasmine, I played her long time ago in Adelaide, and I remember her playing a little bit more of a passive game style, and now she's more aggressive," said Gauff.

Despite Sinner's spectacular form at the Italian Open, he was completely blown away in the Italian Open final by Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 6-1. However, Sinner will only take positives from his run in Rome.

From one generational talent to another, Gauff’s high praise for Sinner and Paolini showcases how the Italian tennis now has several top players in both ATP and WTA competing for some of the most prestigious trophies in the sport.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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