'I Don’t Think It’s a Block': Coco Gauff Doesn’t Hold Back While Dissecting Italian Open Loss Before Roland Garros

Imagn Images

'I Don’t Think It’s a Block': Coco Gauff Doesn’t Hold Back While Dissecting Italian Open Loss Before Roland Garros

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame | By Deblina Roy | Last updated May 19, 2026 10:43 AM ET

While Coco Gauff’s run in the Italian Open ended with a heartbreak, she revealed how it was yet another stepping stone before she could set off for the Roland Garros.

The 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 final round loss to Elina Svitolina marked Gauff’s 2 ^nd consecutive year of failing to lift the trophy in Rome. But talking about the loss, she did not think it was a setback; rather, a learning experience.

“Today was a match that I learned from,” she said in the postgame press conference. “I had many opportunities, but I didn’t capitalize on them. I played too passively at some points, so it’s a lesson for next time. It’s more of a mental thing that I have to learn from. I don’t think it’s a block.”

Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Coco Gauff of the United States hits a backhand against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Gauff broke Svitolina early, creating an opportunity to take a 5-2 lead in the opening set. However, what cost her heavily was a lack of aggression. Despite creating 17 break-point opportunities, she converted only 3.

Svitolina battled with composure and consistency while Gauff’s serves struggled at times. And following the defeat, she admitted to having “experienced all the ups and downs that can prepare (her) for Roland Garros.”

The 22-year-old will move forward, “learn from each situation and improve.” But amidst these, she didn’t forget to congratulate her opponent.

Coco Gauff “Hopes” to Encounter Elina Svitolina in the French Open

Gauff and Svitolina have rivaled over 5 times in their careers, with the win-loss record favoring the Ukrainian. And in her postgame speech, Gauff expressed the hope to play against her again.

“First, I want to congratulate Elina, another tough battle between us,” she said. “Seriously, you had an incredible tournament, a lot of long matches against great players. So, congratulations to you and your team, always very nice on and off the court.”

“So hopefully see you at the French Open in the final, that would be nice,” she added. “I’m on the other side, but hopefully one of these days I can get over that!”

This article first appeared on TheSheGotGame and was syndicated with permission.

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