America’s World No. 4 Coco Gauff has opened up about her upcoming Stuttgart Open quarterfinal showdown with Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, offering rare insight into the challenge ahead. The 21-year-old, desperate to clinch her first WTA title of 2025 after early exits at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championship, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open, finally found momentum in Stuttgart.
A commanding 6-1, 6-1 rout of Germany’s Ella Seidel propelled her into the last eight, where Paolini awaits. But Gauff’s candid assessment of her opponent reveals more than just strategy—it highlights a rivalry steeped in mutual respect.
Coco Gauff’s glimpse into Jasmine Paolini’s arsenal
Ahead of their high-stakes clash, Gauff didn’t mince words when dissecting Paolini’s game. The Italian, ranked sixth globally, has earned Gauff’s admiration for her relentless tenacity and evolving skill set.
“She’s an incredible mover with a really good forehand,” Gauff noted, emphasizing Paolini’s agility and power. But it’s the Italian’s unyielding grit that stood out. “Everybody knows about the fight she has in her. She never gives up—I’ve never seen her do that on the court.”
The pair haven’t faced off recently in official matches, but practice sessions have given Gauff a front-row seat to Jasmine Paolini’s growth. “We do train together,” Coco Gauff added, hinting at a familiarity that could shape their tactical duel. For the American, this isn’t just another match—it’s a litmus test for her clay-court recalibration ahead of Roland Garros.
A season of struggles and Stuttgart’s silver lining
Gauff’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Despite a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open, inconsistency plagued her performances. A shaky serve and unforced errors undermined her dominance, leaving fans questioning her ability to defend her US Open title. But Stuttgart’s indoor clay courts have offered respite. Her demolition of Seidel showcased flashes of the aggression and precision that propelled her to Grand Slam glory in 2023.
Paolini, however, presents a sterner test. The Italian has quietly climbed the ranks, blending baseline resilience with a knack for dismantling power hitters. Her recent three-set thriller against Maria Sakkari in the Round of 16 underscored her stamina and tactical adaptability—traits Coco Gauff is keenly aware of.
Clash of styles: Power vs. precision
Gauff’s raw athleticism and explosive groundstrokes contrast sharply with Jasmine Paolini’s methodical, counterpunching style. The American’s serve, when firing, can dictate points, but Paolini’s lateral speed and ability to extend rallies could force Gauff into uncomfortable positions. The key for Gauff? Balancing aggression with patience—a lesson learned from her early-season missteps.
Their practice sessions add intrigue. While Gauff’s power often dominates drills, Paolini’s craftiness in match scenarios—sliced backhands, angled winners—could unsettle the younger star.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” Gauff conceded, “but good preparation for Roland Garros.”
Bigger picture: Redemption on clay
For Coco Gauff, Stuttgart isn’t just about snapping her title drought—it’s about proving she can thrive on clay, a surface that’s historically tested her adaptability. With the French Open looming, a deep run here could silence doubts about her evolution. Jasmine Paolini, meanwhile, eyes a statement win to cement her top-10 status.
As the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix crowd rallies behind Gauff, the pressure mounts. Can she channel her 2023 US Open poise, or will Paolini’s relentless defense unravel her? One thing’s certain: in Stuttgart, respect won’t soften the blows.