'It wasn't my best level at all': Coco Gauff gets brutally honest after narrow Rome Open win against Zheng Qinwen

Coco Gauff showcased remarkable resilience and composure in a grueling three-hour and thirty-three minute semifinal against Zheng Qinwen at the 2025 Rome Open. Battling through long rallies and multiple momentum shifts, the 21-year-old American got away with a huge win 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4). Italy's favorite Jasmine Paolini will be her last opponent in the road for the title.

Coco Gauff became the first US woman to reach the Rome final since that All-American battle between Madison Keys and Serena Williams in 2016, after defeating the last Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen, in a dramatic duel.

The former US Open champion proved that one of her main strenghts is her tip-top conditioning, being able to play for three and a half hours and still not being exhausted after finishing the match.

Both of her physical and mental preparation are on another level right now, arriving to her second straight final in the lasts three weeks.

Reflecting on the encounter, Gauff said, “I was just trying to go for every point. I knew before it was going to be a physical match. The last time we played was over three hours,” highlighting both her strategic mindset and respect for her opponent’s stamina.

“Overall I’m just happy,” she continued. “It wasn’t my best level at all, to be honest. Just happy to get through it and through to another final."

Gauff will have another chance to win a title on clay after a heartbreaking loss against Aryna Sabalenka two weeks ago in Madrid. This time she will face a different opponent, in a very different and more hostile environment...

Gauff's path to her first Rome title runs through sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, who enjoys fervent home support at the Foro Italico:

“She’s a tough opponent. I think especially here with the home crowd behind her, she’s going to be playing some great tennis. Hopefully I can bring a better level and hopefully win the title. If not, I’m proud just really of this match, too”, concluded the world's No. 3.